orders with vendors due to a computer error. However, such manual intervention creates
delays in the ordering process. If sufficient computer controls are in place to prevent
or detect purchasing errors, then more efficient ordering procedures can be
implemented.
Before continuing with our example, we need to discuss alternative approaches for
authorizing and ordering inventories. Figure 10.2 illustrates three different methods. In
alternative one, the system advances the procedures shown in Figure 10.1 one-step further.
This system prepares the purchase order documents and sends them to the purchasing
department for review and signing. The purchasing agent then mails the approved
purchase orders to the vendors and distributes copies to other internal users.
The system shown in alternative two expedites the ordering process by distributing
the purchase orders directly to the vendors and internal users, thus bypassing the purchasing
department completely. This system produces a transaction list of items ordered
for the purchasing agent’s review.