The procure-to-stock cycle, step by step
Inventory is accurate when every movement has a document behind it. These are the steps I design, each leaving a record of who did what and when:
| Step | Document | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Request | Purchase request | A department asks for items, routed for approval |
| Approve | Approval record | Approved by amount, department or category rules |
| Order | Purchase order | Sent to the supplier at agreed prices |
| Receive | Goods receipt | Stock increases at the receiving location |
| Move | Stock transfer | Stock moves between warehouses, stores or branches |
| Consume | Issue or sale | Stock decreases and cost is recorded |