How to Create and Use Purchase Orders in QuickBooks Enterprise

How to Create and Use Purchase Orders in QuickBooks Enterprise

Purchase orders create a clear record of what the business intends to buy before a bill arrives, improving purchasing visibility and helping teams connect ordering, receiving, inventory, and job costs.

Introduction

This lesson covers purchase orders in QuickBooks Enterprise with practical guidance drawn from Fourlane’s training session. You will see how the topic fits into cleaner accounting workflows, stronger reporting, and better day-to-day execution. For additional product guidance, explore QuickBooks Enterprise.

What You Will Learn

• How to enable and create purchase orders in QuickBooks Enterprise
• How purchase orders support inventory, job costing, drop shipping, and purchasing controls
• Which reports help monitor open purchase orders and receiving activity

Why This Topic Matters

Purchase orders create a clear record of what the business intends to buy before a bill arrives, improving purchasing visibility and helping teams connect ordering, receiving, inventory, and job costs.

Workflow and Best Practices

Use purchase orders consistently, close or receive them through the proper workflow, and review open purchase order reports so outstanding commitments remain accurate.

Key Takeaways

• Build the workflow around accurate accounting and reliable reporting.
• Use the system’s intended process instead of manual workarounds whenever possible.
• Review the process regularly as transaction volume, reporting needs, and team responsibilities change.