After receiving an order, what should you first compare the invoice to?

The best method to ensure accuracy and align the received order with what was intended to be purchased is by initially comparing the invoice to the purchase order. The purchase order serves as a formal agreement that outlines the specifics of the order placed, including the types and quantities of items, pricing, and agreed-upon terms with the supplier.

By reviewing the invoice against the purchase order first, you can verify that what you have received matches what you originally requested before proceeding to assess the actual items received or checks against the supplier's catalog. This process helps to identify any discrepancies between what was ordered and what was billed, enabling corrective action to be taken before further processing payments or managing inventory.

All considerations contribute to effective inventory management, but starting with the purchase order streamlines the verification process.