Automate your requisition-to-reconciliation process

Purchasing software is an essential tool for today's business and can integrate easily with existing financial systems.

I recommend: Look for easy-to-use purchasing software that's a good fit with your size company. Most complete purchasing management solutions are geared to mid-size and large companies, although some modular systems can be a goot fit with smaller, growing businesses. Firms such as Cougar Mountain, Aestiva, Palmas Development and Coda offer a range of purchasing software solutions. The Palmas Purchasing plus+ system, for example, includes various modules for automating purchasing, payables and material management.

Pack a web-based purchasing software punch

Fully web-based systems offer the convenience and cost-savings of online software.

I recommend: Verian Technologies, for example, offers a 100% web-based solution called Purchase Manager as the core of a purchasing and invoice automation solution. Verian's Purchase-to-Pay suite called ProcureIT includes components for invoice management, e-procurement, expense reimbursement and asset management.

Power up purchasing with enterprise solutions

Streamline your procurement and payables processes with high-end solutions.

I recommend: PurchasingNet is a top provider of eProcurement and ePayables solutions for a wide range of industries and has won awards from Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine. eProcurement handles requisitions, approvals, purchasing, receiving, inventory control, catalog management and eSourcing. ePayables includes invoice processing, early payment discount management, eStatements and more. Complete "spend management" solutions from Ariba employ a full ansenal of financial weaponry, including software, sewrvices and consulting expertise for enterprise level companies. Ariba does this exclusively, with operations in 21 countries and 700 spend management experts on staff.

Boost your purchasing management expertise

Membership in a professional organization dedicated to the purchasing profession can improve your skills and save your business money.

I recommend: The American Purchasing Society is a professional association of buyers and purchasing managers. Membership benefits include publications, seminars, training and more. Check out the group's member survey of the best suppliers for business. There's also a helpful Purchasing Glossary at the website.