This tool provides questions to consider throughout the purchasing/inventory management process, focusing on purchase orders, inventory, vendor setup, the receiving of goods, and the reconciliation and bookkeeping/accounting of inventory.

The purchasing/inventory process should include receiving, tracking and counting inventory and also document the “who, what, when, where and how” of each activity in the process. Sample questions include: Has a purchase order process been established? Who can order materials? Is there a formal process for purchasing inventory? Who tracks inventory availability? What happens to damaged and stolen inventory? Who has access to inventory after hours and who locks up inventory? What kind of security is maintained for the stores?