Introduced in February 1996, the system not only saves paper but also saves time, effort and money.
"The LPO system has been well received," says Joan Gossman of Grosse Pointe Woods, director of the department. "Our records indicate that approximately 65 percent of all prior years purchase orders have been less than $500," she says.
"With the implementation of the LPO system, we also have replaced the use of the Special Payment Authorization form (SPA) for many small dollar orders."
"As a result," Gossman continues, "37 percent of the small dollar orders now being placed are with the LPO and are handled via this paperless, electronic system."
The "hassle-free" small order system generates an on-line order created by the department that requires no purchase requisition. Only one screen is used to input data directly into the Purchasing Payables system.
The department offers hands-on, two-and-one-half to three-hour training sessions twice a month in room 73 of the Science and Engineering Library.
Training is a prerequisite to access the LPO transaction. To schedule a session, call training and development at 577-2110.
In addition to the training offered, the department manages "Help-lines" for customers of the LPO system. Chief operators are Grace Hill, 577-3649; Kimberly Tomaszewski, 577-3757; and Patricia Wegner, 577-3754.
Just as the LPO is limited to a specific dollar value, some restrictions do apply on certain commodities. Commodities that require a special approval are not allowed in the LPO system. Questions about the appropriate use of an LPO should be directed to a help-line operator.
For convenience, a listing of all allowable object codes can be found by prompting (pressing the
John Davis of Detroit, vice president of fiscal operations, says the changeover is working very well.
"As with new systems, glitches do happen during the shakedown period, but they are being handled," he explains.