Purchase Method

You can define purchase methods that Analysts can select to describe the ways CMDB items can be purchased when specifying the CMDB item details.

Defining and tracking purchase methods in your Configuration Management Database (CMDB) is critical for several reasons:

• Streamlined Procurement: By having predefined purchase methods, procurement processes can be streamlined and standardized, making it easier for Analysts to specify how items are acquired.

• Budgeting and Forecasting: Knowing the purchase methods helps in accurate budgeting and forecasting. It provides insights into spending patterns and helps in planning future purchases.

• Compliance and Auditing: Tracking how items are purchased ensures compliance with organizational purchasing policies. It simplifies the auditing process by providing clear records of procurement methods.

• Vendor Management: Understanding the purchase methods can aid in vendor management by identifying the most commonly used vendors and negotiating better terms or discounts.

• Operational Efficiency: It aids in operational efficiency by quickly identifying the most cost-effective and efficient ways to procure items, reducing procurement time and effort.

In summary, defining and tracking purchase methods in your CMDB provides a foundation for better financial management, compliance, vendor relationships, and operational efficiency.

Defining a Purchase Method

Before you start

You must have CMDB Setup enabled within your General Access security role in order to configure any CMDB administration settings. Depending on if or how your system is partitioned, ensure that you are working in the correct partition.

1. Select the Menu button, then Admin, and then select System Administration. The System Administration window is displayed.

2. In the Explorer pane expand CMDB.

3. Select Purchase Method to open the window. Existing purchase methods are displayed in alphabetical order.

4. Select the new icon. A new row is added to the browse table.

5. In the blank row, type the name or description of the new purchase method you want to create. You can use up to twenty characters.

6. Repeat for each purchase method you want to create.

7. Save the changes.

8. Provide the Change Reasons if prompted to do so.

Once you select yo save the browse table, the browse table displays the entries in alphabetical order.

Renaming a Purchase Method

1. Select the Menu button, then Admin, and then select System Administration. The System Administration window is displayed.

2. In the Explorer pane expand CMDB.

3. Select Purchase Method to open the window. Existing purchase methods are displayed in alphabetical order.

4. Select the purchase method entry you want to rename.

5. Overtype with the new name you want to assign to the selected purchase method. You can use up to twenty characters.

6. Save the changes.

7. Provide the Change Reasons if prompted to do so.

Once you select yo save the browse table, the browse table displays the entries in alphabetical order.

Deleting a Purchase Method

You cannot reverse this procedure. If you delete a purchase method by mistake, you have to re-create the entry by creating a new purchase method.

1. Select the Menu button, then Admin, and then select System Administration. The System Administration window is displayed.

2. In the Explorer pane expand CMDB.

3. Select Purchase Method to open the window. Existing purchase methods are displayed in alphabetical order.

4. Select the purchase method entry you want to delete.

5. Select the delete icon. If you attempt to delete the system default, you will receive a warning message.

6. Save the changes.

7. Provide the Change Reasons if prompted to do so.

Once you select yo save the browse table, the browse table displays the entries in alphabetical order.