> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alphacalibration.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Trade Blotter
> This page describes how to record trades.
# Workflow
## Product Due Diligence
### Introduction
Trade blotters are used to record trades. Before trades can be recorded, a security must be created in the system.
When creating the security, it may be necessary to perform due diligence, especially on complex products.
A due diligence form is used to evaluate and approve securities for trading.
After the security is created, it can then be selected and added to the trade blotter.
```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
A(\[Complete Product Due Diligence Form]) --> B(\[Approve and add Security to Securities Master Database]) --> C(\[Select security in the Trade Blotter])
```
### Creating a security
The Product Due Diligence Form can be accessing the 'Security Master' Tab and then clicking on 'Add Security'.
#### Step One
#### Step Two
Click on 'Add Security'
#### Step Three
Complete the form
Securities are added to the Securities Master Database upon completion of the product due diligence form.
The due diligence form can be customised to include due diligence fields such as the country of issue, risk ratings and product characteristics.
### Approval
Once the product due diligence form is completed, it can be sent to senior management for approval prior to trading.
Upon approval, the security will be added to the database and become available for inclusion in the trade blotter.
## Pre-Trade Controls
### Set up Approval System
Pre-trade approvals should also be set prior to trading. They are parameters which determine whether trades need pre-approval and obtain their parameters from the Due Diligence Form.
Examples of some of the available parameters are:
* Client Risk Rating
* Mandate Type
* Asset Class
* Asset Wrapper
* Buy/Sell
* Solicited / Unsolicited
## Trading
### Create Portfolio
Portfolios should be created before trades are input in the trade blotter.
### Input Orders
When entering orders, it is necessary to select the client.
Trades can be separated into Open and Executed Trades
