Procurement Process

The procurement process is the attainment of goods and services at the ideal total cost of ownership to meet the needs of the purchaser in terms of quality, quantity, time and location. It involves managing purchasing decisions under conditions of shortage. There are usually seven procurement steps in the procurement life cycle. These steps are information gathering, supplier contact, background review, negotiation, fulfillment, maintenance and renewal.

The procurement process is usually divided into two categories. These two types involve direct production-related procurement and indirect non-production-related procurement. The procurement process of direct procurement deals only manufacturing settings. Direct procurement manages supply chain management. It directly influences the process of production of raw materials, components and parts of finished products. Unlike direct procurement, the procurement process of indirect procurement involves managing resources that a business buys to activate its operations. Public procurement is often an essential sector of the economy.