# Correct a total with a reason

Reject a negative quantity, then replace a previously accepted total with a recorded explanation.

Source: https://help.smartfact.ai/countbench/guides/correct-a-total

Audience: Operator

Reject a negative quantity, then replace a previously accepted total with a recorded explanation.

## Correct a total with a reason

1. **Start scanning**

   Start scanning.

   Start scanning before presenting an item. Each complete code keeps its leading zeroes.

2. **Scan the complete item code**

   Scan the complete item code.

   This simulated keyboard scan identifies item 000017. Count what is present before entering a total.

3. **Refuse a negative total**

   Refuse a negative total.

   A negative total cannot be accepted. The earlier counts are unchanged, so correct the entry before continuing.

4. **Enter the checked replacement total**

   Enter the checked replacement total.

   The item already has a total. CountBench asks before replacing it and keeps the earlier result in its history.

5. **Explain the correction**

   Explain the correction.

   Record why you are changing the total so the office can understand the correction.

6. **Confirm the replacement**

   Confirm the replacement.

   The total is now nine, not eight plus nine. The earlier accepted total remains in the history.

7. **Start scanning**

   Start scanning.

   Start scanning before presenting an item. Each complete code keeps its leading zeroes.

8. **Pause scanning**

   Pause scanning.

   Pause before changing screens or putting the device down. A scan received while paused is not counted.

[Watch or practise this chapter](https://help.smartfact.ai/countbench/demo?guide=correct-a-total&chapter=correct-a-total)

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