Difference between procurement and purchasing

[edit] Introduction

While the terms 'procurement' and 'purchasing' are frequently used interchangeably, there are actually differences between them.

[edit] Procurement

Procurement is the strategic process of purchasing goods or services. This process may include a number of activities required in order to acquire the goods or services from a third party vendor, including the preparation of information, invitation to tender, submission of tenders, assessment, negotiation and contracting.

On construction projects, procurement can involve a team of consultants, following a set sequence of procedures based on a predetermined procurement route that will satisfy the long-term objectives of the client.

[edit] Purchasing

Purchasing is a more general term associated with the shorter term activities relating to actually buying something. It can be a subset of procurement, and generally refers to the administrative process of generating documentation such as purchase orders.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Corporate objectives for procurement.
• Managing the procurement process.
• Procurement route.
• Procurement strategy.
• Typical tender process for construction projects.