The third step in the purchase order flow process is the generation of purchase order (PO) status and performance reporting. PO reporting provides two critical functions. On an operations level, it enables purchasing to determine PO statuses and costs. On a strategic level, PO reporting enables purchasing to quantify its impact on overall business competitiveness and conformance to corporate budgets.
Several reports enable purchasing to perform these objectives.
PO Status Reports
These reports show the statuses of all open requisitions and POs. Examples are POs by supplier and due date or PO status by product or order number. Regardless of the sort criteria, these reports show critical information such as PO number, scheduled due date, items and quantities ordered, current receiving information, and balance open.
PO Priority Reports
Priority reports are used by purchase planners as a follow-up tool. These reports provide a window into POs not synchronized with demand quantities and due dates. These reports serve the function of a shortage list that can assist planners to ensure replenishment orders are received on time, without incurring costly expediting or possible material shortages. These reports also assist purchasing planners in maintaining the schedule of PO priorities.
Strategic Performance Reporting
There are two main areas of strategic PO reporting: