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Published on:
March 21, 2023
By
Harshini

What is the Difference Between Purchasing & Procurement?

What is Procurement?

Procurement refers to the process of acquiring goods and services from external sources to meet the needs of an organization. It involves identifying the requirements, selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing the purchasing process to ensure timely delivery of high-quality goods and services at the best possible price. Procurement can involve a variety of activities, including sourcing, purchasing, contracting, and supplier relationship management. The goal of procurement is to obtain the required goods and services at the best possible price, quality, and quantity within the desired timeframe to support the operations of the organization.

Steps in the Procurement Process

The steps involved in the procurement process can vary depending on the organization's needs and procurement policies, but generally include the following:

1. Identify the need: Determine what goods or services are required to support the organization's operations and identify the key requirements.

2. Develop specifications: Define the specifications for the required goods or services, including quality, quantity, delivery requirements, and any other relevant details.

3. Identify potential suppliers: Research and identify potential suppliers who can provide the required goods or services, taking into account factors such as cost, quality, reputation, and delivery time.

4. Evaluate suppliers: Evaluate potential suppliers based on their ability to meet the specified requirements, their financial stability, their reputation, and their compliance with legal and ethical standards.

5. Negotiate contracts: Negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract with the selected supplier, including pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and any other relevant terms.

6. Place orders: Place the order with the selected supplier and ensure that all relevant documentation is in order, such as purchase orders, delivery schedules, and invoices.

7. Receive and inspect goods or services: Receive and inspect the goods or services to ensure that they meet the specified requirements and that there are no defects or issues.

8. Process payments: Process payments to the supplier according to the agreed-upon terms and conditions.

9. Manage supplier relationships: Manage supplier relationships by monitoring supplier performance, ensuring compliance with quality standards and delivery times, and addressing any issues or concerns that arise.

By following these steps, an organization can effectively manage its procurement process and obtain the goods and services it needs to support its operations.

What is Purchasing?

Purchasing refers to the process of acquiring goods and services from external sources to meet the needs of an organization. It is a part of the larger procurement process and involves activities such as placing orders, negotiating prices and terms, and ensuring that goods and services are delivered on time and to the required quality standards. Purchasing is a tactical function that involves executing the procurement strategy and policies defined by the organization. The goal of purchasing is to obtain the required goods and services at the best possible price, quality, and quantity within the desired timeframe to support the operations of the organization.

Steps in the Purchasing Process

The steps involved in the purchasing process can vary depending on the organization's needs and purchasing policies, but generally include the following:

1. Identify the need: Determine what goods or services are required to support the organization's operations and identify the key requirements.

2. Develop specifications: Define the specifications for the required goods or services, including quality, quantity, delivery requirements, and any other relevant details.

3. Identify potential suppliers: Research and identify potential suppliers who can provide the required goods or services, taking into account factors such as cost, quality, reputation, and delivery time.

4. Request for Quotations/ Proposals (RFQ/RFP): Request a quotation or proposal from the selected suppliers, including details such as pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and any other relevant terms.

5. Evaluate quotations/ proposals: Evaluate the quotations or proposals from the selected suppliers based on their ability to meet the specified requirements, their financial stability, their reputation, and their compliance with legal and ethical standards.

6. Negotiate contracts: Negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract with the selected supplier, including pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and any other relevant terms.

7. Place orders: Place the order with the selected supplier and ensure that all relevant documentation is in order, such as purchase orders, delivery schedules, and invoices.

8. Receive and inspect goods or services: Receive and inspect the goods or services to ensure that they meet the specified requirements and that there are no defects or issues.

9. Process payments: Process payments to the supplier according to the agreed-upon terms and conditions.

10. Manage supplier relationships: Manage supplier relationships by monitoring supplier performance, ensuring compliance with quality standards and delivery times, and addressing any issues or concerns that arise.

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Updated on:
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