What is the main purpose of a purchase order?

The main purpose of a purchase order is to authorize a specific purchase transaction. A purchase order serves as a formal document issued by a buyer to a seller, indicating the details of the products or services being ordered. This includes specifying items, quantities, prices, and terms of the purchase. By issuing a purchase order, the buyer essentially provides the seller with approval to fulfill the order, thereby creating a legally binding agreement between the two parties.

This authorization is crucial as it helps ensure that both the buyer and seller are aligned on the transaction's details, which can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes later in the process. It also serves as an important record for tracking orders and managing inventory, but its fundamental purpose remains the authorization of the purchase itself.