Report: Redemption Point Source (FIFO)

Our Redemption Point Source (FIFO [first in, first out]) report, a replacement for the previous Redemption FIFO report, is a tool that provides a comprehensive breakdown of redemption data by the source of the points involved. Its primary aim is to assist in navigating the complexities of employee taxation on redemptions, offering clarity on which points are taxable and which are not. The report offers intuitive features, a Points Spend Summarized by Point Source pie chart, and direct access to the source data. Continue reading for a walkthrough of the report and unlock a heightened level of insight into your redemption processes.
 

1. Use Cases
2. Data Filters
3. Points Spend Summarized by Point Source
4. Source Data
5. FAQ

Use Cases

The Redemption Point Source (FIFO) report is a versatile tool offering insights and facilitating informed decision-making across various organizational functions. Below are two key use cases that demonstrate the report's utility in addressing distinct needs:

• Taxation Analysis: The report might be useful for a Payroll Administrator tasked with determining the appropriate tax amount for each employee during a specific pay period. Using the Redemption Point Source (FIFO) report, they can easily access and organize redemption data based on various metrics such as recognition program, budget, or metadata. By filtering the data to their specific time frame and criteria, they gain clarity on which redemptions are taxable and which are not, streamlining the taxation process and ensuring accuracy in compliance.
• Source Analysis for Redemptions: An admin seeking insights into the effectiveness of different points sources in driving employee engagement and rewards could find this report helpful. By filtering for a defined period, they can utilize the Points Spend Summarized chart to visually identify which programs' points are most frequently redeemed. This analysis empowers them to make informed decisions about resource allocation, program effectiveness, and strategic adjustments to maximize engagement and ROI.

Data Filters

To access the Redemption Point Source (FIFO) report:

1. Select the “Admin” button at the bottom of the left navigation menu.
2. Select “Insights”, “Reports”, then “Redemption Point Source (FIFO)” from the left navigation menu.
    

Before running the report, apply filters to narrow down your data. Unselected filters default to “Select All.” Available filters include:

• Time Frame: Select the time frame from which you’d like the report to pull data. The report includes any data within the time range chosen based on the order's processed date. You can select an option from the list of default periods or specify a custom date range. Use the drop-down menu to the right to pull the report in your preferred time zone. UTC is recommended for reconciliation with Awardco reports.
• Supervisor: Narrow down redemption point source data by supervisor.
• Order Type: Filter by Orders or Returns. The report also includes Adjustment as a possible order type.
• Award Network: Through which Award Network the points were redeemed.
• Point Source: Filter by Recognition, AwardCode Claim, Return, Manual Balance Adjustment, Unknown (usually applies to older data), or Purchase Points at Recognition.
• Budget: The budget from which the points were awarded.
• Budget Taxable: Filter by False or True.
• Recognition Program: The program from which the points were awarded.
• Cost Center: If applicable, select the cost center(s) from which you’d like to see recognition data.
• From Metadata: If you have employees with metadata tags on your user file, select specific metadata tags if you’d like to see data on employees with those metadata tags. This relates specifically to the recognition giver in a point source data line item.
• To Metadata: If you have employees with metadata tags on your user file, select specific metadata tags if you’d like to see data on employees with those metadata tags. This relates specifically to the recipient of points in a point source data line item.
• Data Visibility: Filter data based on organizational hierarchy:
  • Immediate Reports: View data for direct reports.
  • All Reports: Access data for all users in your downline.
  • Everyone: See data for the entire organization.
  • Peers: Review data for colleagues with the same manager.

If you plan on exporting the Redemption Point Source report, use the drop-down menu on the right to select columns that will appear on your exported .csv file.

*If no column specifications are applied, these columns will load by default.

Once you’ve selected your preferred filters, select “Run the Report” to display the data. If you’d like to export the data in a .csv format, select “Export”. If you’d like to save these search parameters, select “Save View” and enter a name for your saved view. The next time you access the Redemption Point Source report you can access this saved view in the drop-down menu at the top right. If you “star” or favorite a saved view, it will be the default report that loads first and runs automatically. If you'd like a saved view to be sent to your email on a regular cadence, please visit our Sending Scheduled Reports article to find out more on how to configure this option. 

Points Spend Summarized by Point Source

This section shows a pie chart that summarizes the points spent from different categories presented in the drop-down menu to the right of the graph title. The default view is "Point Source" which helps you see the number of points spent on recognition, points returned to employee wallets, points adjusted in user point balances etc. at a glance. 

Looking at the drop-down, you can select from a list of the filters applied. For example, selecting ‘Recognition Program’ shows you the percentage of recognitions that come from specific recognition programs. If you'd like to export any version of this data visualization as a single PNG image, click on the circular icon at the top right of the graph.

Source Data

At the bottom of the page you’ll find the raw data that the data visualizations draw from above. If you were to export the report to a .csv/JSON file, this is the same format you would find. Use the search bar to search for information such as order number, order type, and point source.

This report will only show orders that have been processed.

FAQ

Why are some of my transactions labeled as "Unknown" in the Point Source column?

• The "Unknown" label appears when the system cannot confidently classify a redemption’s original funding source into a modern category (like Recognition or Adjustment). This typically happens with older or specific edge-case transactions.
• Is it valid? Yes. These are valid redemptions that should be included in your totals.
• How do I report them? These rows still include Base Total, User Total, and Total Points. Treat them as normal redemptions for your tax and spend calculations.

Which column should I use for tax and net spend reconciliation?

For most organizations, the Base Total is the safest and most accurate column to use.

• Base Total represents the net order cost (item price + tax + shipping + customs) in your company’s base currency (usually USD).
• This column accounts for returns (shown as negative values), so summing this column provides your true net spend. This value is what Awardco actually draws from your funding balance.

What is the difference between Base Total and User Total?

• Base Total: The cost in your company’s primary currency (e.g., USD). Use this for company-wide financial reconciliation.
• User Total: The cost expressed in the user’s local currency. This is primarily used for multi-country or PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) setups. For example, a Canadian employee’s report may show a Base Total in USD but a User Total in CAD.

Why does "Total Points" use whole numbers while the monetary columns use decimals?

• Awardco uses whole points as a "face value" for the user experience, but tracks real currency values with cents "under the hood" for accounting precision.
• The Buffer Factor: If your organization uses a tax buffer (e.g., 8%), an item costing $10.00 will actually cost $10.80. The user might see this as 11 points (rounded up), but the Base Total will record the precise $10.80.
• The Rule of Thumb: Use Total Points for operational tracking and employee-facing questions. Use Base Total for finance and tax reporting, as it ties out to your actual spend.

Why is my Total Points value slightly different from my monetary total?

• Because of currency conversion buffers and rounding logic used to keep point values simple for employees, "Total Points" may not perfectly match the monetary totals. Always rely on the Base Total and User Total columns for financial accuracy, as these are the numbers that hit your bank or invoice.

If you have any questions, please contact Awardco Admin Support.