Purchasing systems aim to determine quality and quantity needed, obtain the best price, and maintain supplier information. Traditional purchasing involves requisitions, purchase orders, and delivery, but has inefficiencies from non-value activities and excessive time/costs. Electronic purchasing systems like e-procurement use the internet to streamline the purchasing process through activities like e-sourcing, e-tendering, and e-reverse auctions. E-procurement can help IBM achieve buying objectives but may have limitations depending on the purchase.

1. Purchasing systems

5. Material requirement planning