Automated purchase order creation based on low inventory levels

Purpose

1. Automate purchase order creation when inventory levels fall below defined thresholds.

2. Reduce manual intervention for restocking material and components in fabrication and machine shop processes.

3. Ensure uninterrupted production workflows by automating inventory checks and ordering.

4. Minimize downtime and expedite procurement by automatically transmitting purchase orders to suppliers.

5. Standardize procurement procedures and establish consistent, auditable records of automated purchases.

Trigger Conditions

1. Automated trigger when inventory level for a SKU drops below preset minimum threshold.

2. Automation can be initiated via integration with inventory management or MRP software alerts.

3. Automatedly detects discrepancies between actual and expected stock levels in realtime.

4. Can automate based on cycle counts, real-time sensor input, or scheduled inventory audits.

5. Automates ordering logic based on supplier lead time, reorder quantities, and usage rate.

Platform Variants

1. SAP Business One

• Function/API: Inventory Levels API; automate trigger on “Item Quantity < MinLevel” and automate PO (PurchaseOrderService).
  

2. Oracle NetSuite

• Feature: Saved Search/Workflow Automation; automatic purchase order creation when StockOnHand < ReorderPoint.
  

3. Dynamics 365 Business Central

• API: InventoryLowLevel Alert; automates PO generation via PurchaseOrders endpoint.
  

4. QuickBooks Online

• Feature: Automate via Inventory Management/Reorder Points; automated PO via PurchaseOrder API or native rule triggers.
  

5. Odoo

• Module: Automated Reordering Rules; configure Minimum Stock Rule for automatic creation of purchase.orders.
  

6. Zoho Inventory

• Feature: Automated reorder points; automate purchase order creation through PurchaseOrder API.
  

7. TradeGecko (QuickBooks Commerce)

• Setting: Low Stock Automation; purchase order automation rule configuration.
  

8. Fishbowl Inventory

• Integration: Reorder Levels Automation; automatedly generates POs using Order Module triggers.
  

9. Katana MRP

• Automation: Reorder Point; create automated purchase orders as soon as low stock detected.
  

10. Cin7

• Rule: Stock Min Levels; automate PO via Purchase Orders section.
  

11. Dear Systems

• Rule: Automate PO; triggers on Inventory below Reorder Point and auto-generates PO.
  

12. Unleashed Software

• Automation: Automatic Purchase Order Generation; low stock triggers automated PO via API.
  

13. Acumatica

• Function: Inventory Replenishment Automation; able to generate automated purchase orders using automation scheduler.
  

14. Epicor ERP

• Automation Engine: Min Max Level Automation; automates PO workflow by Material Management Setup.
  

15. SYSPRO

• Feature: Inventory Optimizer Automation; automated PO creation when stock falls short of minimum.
  

16. Priority Software

• Setting: Automated Purchase Orders; configure inventory and supplier automation triggers.
  

17. Infor CloudSuite Industrial

• Module: Inventory Controls Automation; reacts to reorder point breach and automatedly creates purchase order.
  

18. SAP S/4HANA

• API: Automated Inventory Management; automate purchasing via PurchaseOrder API on material shortage notification.
  

19. Xero

• Workflow: Automate Purchase Orders from Inventory Add-ons; configure API for automated PO creation.
  

20. Shopify

• App: Stocky by Shopify; automate low stock detection and PO generation.
  

Benefits

1. Automates routine procurement, reducing manual workload and human error.

2. Accelerates the restocking process for essential fabrication inventory.

3. Maintains optimal stock levels, automating business continuity.

4. Provides real-time, actionable insights on stock and automated purchase status.

5. Improves supplier relationship via timely, automated orders.

6. Enhances auditability and reporting of procurement activities by automating data capture.

7. Scales well for multi-location machine shop operations by automating across sites.

8. Lowers overhead by minimizing manual intervention in purchasing.

9. Supports lean inventory management by automating to actual consumption.

10. Promotes just-in-time restocking to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.