Before you start a purchase

Use this example sequence as a guide; confirm Northstar’s actual process before relying on it.

First check whether a suitable supplier is available, then confirm the applicable approval requirements. Carry out purchasing work in the Procurement app; this page does not submit, approve, or track purchases. The sequence and examples here are illustrative, not Northstar policy.

A practical buying sequence

Pause before committing spend if a supplier, approval, or local requirement is unclear.

  1. 1

    Check the need and supplier

    Confirm what is needed, where it will be used, and whether a suitable supplier is available on the Preferred Suppliers page and in the Procurement app.

  2. 2

    Confirm the approval route

    Check the current policy and applicable approval requirements for the total purchase value, location, and type of spend. The sample thresholds on this site are not binding.

  3. 3

    Complete the purchase in Procurement

    Use the Procurement app to enter purchase details and follow its configured workflow. Do not commit spend until required approvals are confirmed.

  4. 4

    Keep the confirmation

    Retain purchase and approval references in the locations required by Northstar’s confirmed process so the order can be checked later.

Prepare before you open the app

Having these details ready can help you follow the right route.

Describe the purchase

Be ready to explain the item or service, business need, delivery or service location, and when it is required.

  • Identify the cost centre or budget information required by your local process.
  • Record the estimated total value and any recurring term, where applicable.
  • Note urgent timing or location-specific requirements.

Use the configured purchasing workflow

Open the Procurement app from your company’s app list and follow its configured instructions.

  • Use the supplier and item details shown in the app.
  • Follow the approval steps presented by the current workflow.
  • If the right route is unclear, pause and ask the confirmed procurement owner before committing spend.

Check related guidance

Use these pages when you need to verify a route or supplier.

Check illustrative approval guidance in Thresholds & Approvals.

Check supplier examples and availability in Preferred Suppliers.

If a supplier is not available through the approved route, see Supplier Onboarding. Supplier Hub is the app for supplier onboarding work.