Purchase-to-pay is an integrated system that fully automates the goods and services purchasing process for a business. The system earned its name because it handles all aspects of acquisition from the purchase of goods to the payment of the vendor. The key benefits to purchase-to-pay are efficiency, cost savings, and increased financial and procurement visibility.

The purchase-to-pay system begins with requisitioning, proceeds to procurement, and ends with payment. Requisitioning is the process of formally requesting a service, item, or product with a purchase request form. Procurement happens when the goods or services are received. The system ends when payment is made.