Paper-Based Procurement
Paper-based procurement is a traditional approach to purchasing goods and services where all processes—from requisition and approval to invoicing and payment—are handled using physical documents like paper forms, faxes, and mail. It involves manual data entry, filing systems, and in-person approvals, often leading to inefficiencies such as delays, errors, and lack of real-time visibility. This method was standard before digital transformation but is now largely obsolete in modern business environments.
Developers should learn about paper-based procurement to understand legacy systems and processes they might encounter during digital transformation projects, such as migrating to e-procurement platforms. It provides context for designing automated solutions that replace manual workflows, helping identify pain points like data silos or compliance issues. Knowledge of this methodology is useful when working with industries that still rely on outdated systems, such as some government agencies or small businesses.