Which items comprise the three-way match in a typical purchasing process?

Which items comprise the three-way match in a typical purchasing process?

• A. Purchase order, reports and blind copy
• B. Supplier's invoice, receiving report and purchase order
• C. Purchase requisition, vendor invoice and packing slips
• D. Reports, blind copy and purchase requisition

Answer: (B)

The three-way match is a control that ensures payment is made only for what was actually ordered and received by comparing three documents: the purchase order (what you agreed to buy and the terms), the receiving report or goods receipt (what you actually received, including quantities), and the supplier’s invoice (what the vendor charges). When all three align on item, quantity, and price, payment can be processed confidently. If there’s a discrepancy—say, the invoice shows more items than were received or priced differently—the system flags it for review before paying, preventing errors or fraud. The purchase requisition is an internal request that precedes a purchase order, not typically part of the three-way match, and packing slips, while useful at receiving, are not the formal trio used for payment authorization.

The three-way match is a control that ensures payment is made only for what was actually ordered and received by comparing three documents: the purchase order (what you agreed to buy and the terms), the receiving report or goods receipt (what you actually received, including quantities), and the supplier’s invoice (what the vendor charges). When all three align on item, quantity, and price, payment can be processed confidently. If there’s a discrepancy—say, the invoice shows more items than were received or priced differently—the system flags it for review before paying, preventing errors or fraud. The purchase requisition is an internal request that precedes a purchase order, not typically part of the three-way match, and packing slips, while useful at receiving, are not the formal trio used for payment authorization.