requisitions

A requisition is a formal request within an organization to obtain goods, services, or resources. In procurement, a purchase requisition (PR) is an internal document submitted by a department or employee that initiates the purchasing process and typically leads to the issuance of a purchase order to a supplier.

A requisition usually includes key details such as item descriptions, quantities, units of measure, desired delivery date, estimate or approved budget, account or cost center, and vendor information. It may also specify priority, delivery location, and any applicable specifications or standards. Requisitions can be created in paper form or, more commonly, through electronic procurement systems that support workflow and approvals.

Process and workflow: The requester creates the requisition and routes it through an approval chain aligned with organizational policies. The system may perform budget checks and ensure compliance with sourcing guidelines. Once authorized, procurement staff may select suppliers, negotiate terms, and issue a purchase order that formalizes the purchase. After receipt of goods or services, the organization matches the delivery with the requisition and the accompanying invoice for payment.

Types and uses: Common forms include standard purchase requisitions, service requisitions, and capital expenditure requisitions. Emergency or blanket requisitions may exist for urgent needs or recurring purchases under pre-approved terms.

Roles and controls: Typical participants include the requester, immediate supervisor or approver, the procurement team, and finance or accounts payable. Requisitions create an audit trail that supports budgeting, spend analysis, and compliance.

In government or military contexts, a requisition is a formal request from a unit or department to obtain supplies from a centralized supply system.