Article 9: What is the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process?
What is Procure-to-Pay (P2P)?
Procure-to-Pay (P2P) is the complete business process that covers everything from identifying what you need to buy until you pay the supplier. It's the end-to-end purchasing cycle that ensures you get the right goods at the right time while controlling costs.
What does the P2P process include?
- Identify need - Determine what materials or services are required
- Create request - Submit purchase requisition
- Find supplier - Identify and select the best vendor
- Create purchase order - Formally order the goods/services
- Receive goods - Accept delivery and inspect quality
- Process invoice - Verify and approve supplier invoice
- Make payment - Pay the supplier
Which SAP modules are involved?
- MM (Materials Management): Handles purchasing and inventory
- FI (Financial Accounting): Manages invoicing and payments
- PP (Production Planning): For manufacturing requirements
- PS (Project System): For project-specific purchases
Why is an efficient P2P process important?
- Timely availability of required goods and services
- Cost control through proper approval workflows
- Good supplier relationships through reliable processes
- Compliance with company purchasing policies