How to Streamline Your Company's Purchasing Cutting waste and streamlining your purchasing procedures can have a big effect on your business efficiency.

Q: How can I make company purchasing more effective?

A: Some companies have a dedicated department for purchasing supplies and materials; others spread the task among key employees. Knowing which type of setup works best for your business can be a major factor in streamlining and cutting waste.

First, you'll need to make sure you're working with a clean set of numbers. Your accounting system should capture and report costs--and this includes purchasing--in a way that enables you to measure and control them effectively.