A purchase requisition describes a demand that is released to the purchasing department. The demand can be created automatically, e.g. as result of a MRP run or by assigning components or services to a maintenance or production order. Alternatively, the purchase requisition can be entered manually or transferred from another system.  The accounting data can already be assigned and checked during processing of the purchase requisition. Sourcing (incl. initiating a Request for Quotation (RFQ) process) can be executed based on a purchase requisition as well as assignment of documents.

You can use this business process to process all your requirements and optimize your source of supply for each individual item. You can identify saving opportunities and evaluate suppliers in their ability to provide materials and services at low cost, high quality, and according to schedule.

Once you have determined the best source of supply (e.g. via RFXs or auctions) for your requirements, you can collaborate in project teams both internally and with your suppliers, and establish on-going relationships based, for example, on contracts and global outline agreements.

The purchase order processing is part of the (operational) procurement of materials and services. The main task is to convert demands to purchase orders (with or without reference to a contract) or delivery schedules for a scheduling agreement and to monitor the fulfillment of these documents.

You can use this business process to confirm receipt of goods. In Enterprise Buyer, requesters can create confirmations themselves, even if the purchase order is in the backend system. It is possible to create express confirmations directly in the Check Status application without having to switch to another application. Alternatively, an internal dispatcher or shipping department can take delivery of goods and confirm centrally. In this case, an additional approval workflow through the requisitioner is possible. Then, the goods receipt is posted in the backend system. Inbound processing  covers the physical inbound delivery processing that succeeds the procurement process. It includes ASN processing, physical Goods Receipt and putaway of materials in Warehouse Management up to sending the proof of delivery to the business partners.

Invoice is a document that states the invoice recipient's obligations to the vendor or service provider. An invoice is normally created after the goods receipt or service performance has been confirmed. It includes general invoice information, such as total amount, total tax, freight costs, vendor and invoice recipient, and detailed information (header information, item information, approval preview).