Step 1
Identify Need
Step 2
Initiate Purchase
Step 3
Take Delivery
Step 4
Reallocate Charges
Step 5
Approve Transaction
Step 6
Pay
Step 7
Track and Improve

Purchasing Card - Step 1

The Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process begins when a member of Penn's faculty or staff, or an authorized student, decides a product or service is needed - at that moment, he or she becomes the customer. A customer is expected to make informed purchasing decisions in line with the University's financial policies, guidelines and authorized buying methods (typically a purchase order or a purchasing card).

Step 1 Responsibilities

Customer responsibilities:: As a customer, your main responsibilities are (1) to provide the cardholder initiating the purchase in Step 2 with the information required to select the appropriate buying method and to process your order, and (2) to properly receive your purchases in Step 3 (if you are the customer as well as the cardholder, please proceed to Step 2)

Placing an order on your own, without observing the University's procurement policies and procedures, would be doing yourself, your supplier, and the University a disservice. Unless you use an authorized buying method, have a legitimate business requirement, and deal with a reputable supplier, you are putting the University and/or your School/Center at risk. To familiarize yourself with the approved buying method for the products or services you plan to purchase, review the buying decision chart.