Requisition Approval Time

Related KPIs

Requisition Approval Time Interpretation

High requisition approval times indicate inefficiencies in the procurement process, potentially leading to missed opportunities and increased costs. Conversely, low values suggest streamlined operations and effective communication among stakeholders. Ideal targets typically fall within a range of 1 to 5 days for most industries.

• <1 day – Exceptional; indicates highly efficient processes
• 1–3 days – Healthy; reflects strong operational practices
• 4–5 days – Acceptable; warrants review for improvement
• >5 days – Concerning; requires immediate attention

Common Pitfalls

Many organizations overlook the impact of requisition approval time on overall operational efficiency.

• Failing to standardize approval workflows can lead to confusion and delays. Without clear guidelines, requisitions may bounce between departments, prolonging the approval process and frustrating stakeholders.
• Neglecting to leverage technology for automation results in manual bottlenecks. Manual approvals often introduce human error and slow down the entire procurement cycle, impacting financial ratios.
• Inadequate training for approvers can lead to inconsistent decision-making. If team members are not well-versed in procurement policies, they may hesitate or make incorrect judgments, further delaying approvals.
• Ignoring feedback from procurement staff prevents process improvements. Without insights from those directly involved, organizations miss opportunities to refine workflows and enhance performance indicators.

Improvement Levers

Streamlining requisition approval time requires a focused approach on process efficiency and stakeholder engagement.

• Implement an automated approval system to reduce manual intervention. Automation can significantly cut down processing times and minimize errors, leading to faster approvals.
• Establish clear guidelines and thresholds for requisition approvals. Defining what requires approval and what can be expedited helps reduce unnecessary delays.
• Regularly review and refine approval workflows based on performance data. Continuous improvement initiatives can identify bottlenecks and enhance overall efficiency.
• Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to foster better communication. Regular meetings between procurement and finance teams can align objectives and streamline the approval process.

Requisition Approval Time Case Study Example

A leading technology firm faced significant delays in its requisition approval time, averaging 10 days, which hampered its ability to respond to market demands. This lag resulted in missed opportunities and increased costs, as suppliers often raised prices due to uncertainty. The CFO initiated a project called “Fast Track Procurement,” aimed at reducing approval times to enhance operational efficiency and improve cash flow.

The project involved implementing a cloud-based procurement platform that automated the approval process and integrated real-time analytics. By setting clear approval thresholds and utilizing a digital dashboard, the firm ensured that requisitions requiring higher scrutiny were processed more efficiently. Training sessions were conducted to familiarize staff with the new system, emphasizing the importance of timely approvals.

Within 6 months, requisition approval time decreased to an average of 3 days. This improvement not only reduced costs associated with delayed orders but also strengthened supplier relationships, as vendors appreciated the quicker turnaround. The firm redirected the freed-up resources toward strategic initiatives, resulting in a 15% increase in project delivery speed.

The success of “Fast Track Procurement” transformed the procurement department into a strategic partner within the organization. The firm’s ability to respond swiftly to market changes improved its competitive positioning, leading to enhanced profitability and a stronger market presence.