In a centralized operation, who should receive a copy of the purchase order?

• A. Vendors
• B. Finance Department
• C. Marketing Team
• D. Receiving Staff

Answer: (D)

In a centralized operation, the receiving staff should have a copy of the purchase order because they are the ones who verify what arrives against what was ordered. With the PO in hand, they can perform a three-way match among the purchase order, the receiving receipt, and the supplier’s invoice, ensuring the right items, quantities, and prices are received and recorded. This internal copy supports accurate inventory records, proper cost assignment, and helps detect discrepancies—like over- or under-delivery—before payment is processed.

Vendors do need documentation to fulfill the order, and the finance team often uses the PO for budgeting and payment, but the immediate operational need for verification at the point of receipt rests with the Receiving Staff. The Marketing Team generally has no role in the procurement verification process.