Introduction
A requisition is a formal document or request that obligates a recipient department or organization to perform a specific action or procedure. Requisitions are critical in ensuring structured and efficient workflows within various types of organizations, including businesses, manufacturing firms, and government institutions. Examples include purchase requisition, materials requisition, and manufacturing requisition (also known as production order).
Historical Context
The concept of requisition has a long history, tracing back to early commerce and trade where formal requests were needed to authorize transactions and resource allocations. In manufacturing and wartime logistics, requisitioning ensured that supplies were ordered, allocated, and used efficiently.
Types of Requisitions
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Purchase Requisition:
- A formal request to procure goods or services from external suppliers. It typically includes details such as item description, quantity, expected price, and delivery date.
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Materials Requisition:
- Used within an organization to request raw materials or components necessary for production or operational purposes. This document facilitates internal inventory management and ensures resource availability.
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Manufacturing Requisition (Production Order):
- A directive for the production department to commence the manufacturing of specific products. It includes specifications, quantity, deadlines, and any special instructions required for production.
Key Events and Procedures
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Issuance of Requisition:
- The process starts with the creation of a requisition form by the requesting department, detailing the necessary information about the items or services needed.
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Approval Process:
- The requisition is routed to the appropriate authority for approval. This step is crucial to ensure that the request is justified and budget is available.
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Processing:
- Once approved, the requisition is forwarded to the procurement department or relevant division to carry out the required procedure.
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Fulfillment:
- The requested items are either ordered from external suppliers or allocated from internal inventory. For manufacturing requisitions, production activities commence.
Detailed Explanations
Purchase Requisition
A typical purchase requisition might look like the following table:
pie title Purchase Requisition Components "Item Description": 25 "Quantity": 25 "Price Estimate": 25 "Delivery Date": 25
Materials Requisition
This document is instrumental in managing an organization’s internal resources, providing a detailed list of materials requested for use.
graph LR A[Initiating Department] --> B[Materials Requisition Form] B --> C[Inventory Check] C --> D[Approval Process] D --> E[Material Allocation]
Importance and Applicability
- Efficiency: Streamlines procurement and resource allocation processes.
- Control: Enhances oversight and control over resources.
- Coordination: Improves coordination between departments.
- Accountability: Establishes a clear trail of documentation for auditing purposes.
Examples and Considerations
- Example: An engineering department issuing a materials requisition for raw materials required for a new project.
- Considerations: Ensuring accurate data entry, timely approvals, and monitoring for unauthorized requisitions.
Related Terms
- Procurement: The action of obtaining or procuring something.
- Inventory Management: The supervision of non-capitalized assets (inventory) and stock items.
- Production Order: An order issued within a company to produce a specific quantity of material within a specified timeframe.
Comparisons
- Requisition vs. Purchase Order: While a requisition is an internal document, a purchase order is an external document sent to suppliers.
- Requisition vs. Work Order: A work order details tasks and responsibilities for maintenance or service jobs, while requisitions are primarily for resource acquisition.
Interesting Facts
- During World War II, requisitioning was vital for the allocation of resources, leading to innovations in inventory and supply chain management.
Inspirational Stories
- NASA’s Apollo Program: Effective requisition and resource management were critical in ensuring the successful landing of Apollo missions on the moon.
Famous Quotes
- “Efficiency is doing better what is already being done.” – Peter Drucker
Proverbs and Clichés
- “Measure twice, cut once.” – Emphasizing the importance of careful planning and requisitioning.
Expressions, Jargon, and Slang
- Cut the Red Tape: To eliminate or simplify excessive procedures associated with requisitioning.
FAQs
Who can create a requisition?
What happens if a requisition is denied?
References
- “Operations Management” by William J. Stevenson – A comprehensive guide to operations management, including requisition processes.
- “The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook” by Michael L. George – Tools for improving efficiency and processes, including requisitions.
Summary
Requisitions are essential documents in organizational operations that ensure the systematic and efficient allocation of resources. By understanding the different types of requisitions and their processes, organizations can maintain seamless workflows, enhanced control, and accountability over their resources and operations.