# Stage IV: Purchasing

Configure vendors and stock rules so required items are ordered automatically.

Source: https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/start-here/quickstart/purchasing/
Updated: 2026-10-29

**Role:** Purchaser  
**Prerequisites:** Stage III complete — items exist with zero on-hand, storage locations configured  
**Hands off to:** Machinist / Operator ([Stage V](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/start-here/quickstart/production/))

The Purchaser sets up vendors and lets stock rules trigger the first purchase order automatically, instead of raising it by hand.

This stage takes a different path than the [Purchasing Get started series](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/purchasing/tutorials/) does on its own: instead of creating a purchase order by hand, you set up vendors and stock rules first and let the Inventory Scheduler draft the order automatically. Receiving and restocking at the end match that series exactly.

## Set up vendors

1. [Add a Vendor](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/purchasing/tutorials/add-vendor/) — create vendor records for Sandvik, Iscar, and Tungaloy
2. On each item released in Stage II, [set that vendor as the default](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/purchasing/guides/add-vendor/#set-a-vendor-as-the-default-on-an-item) — Vendor, Order Code, Unit Price, and Lead Time. The scheduler reads these when it drafts an order.

## Set up automatic replenishment

3. [Create a Stock Rule](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/inventory/tutorials/create-stock-rules/) for each item below, all in *Brand new* condition. Once saved, the Inventory Scheduler takes over: no one needs to check stock levels or raise a request by hand.

| Item                        | Internal Category | Storage Location | Threshold Qty | Max Capacity |
| --------------------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- | ------------- | ------------ |
| C4-391.19-10 075            | Tool Holders      | Drawer 1 - 1.1.1 | 2             | 4            |
| AA3B14-40 20 105            | Tool Holders      | Drawer 1 - 1.2.1 | 2             | 6            |
| C4-A390.455-40 040          | Tool Holders      | Drawer 2 - 0.0.2 | 1             | 4            |
| C4SEM22X40C                 | Tool Holders      | Drawer 2 - 1.0.2 | 1             | 2            |
| R390-0097A10-07L            | Tool Holders      | Drawer 3 - 0.0.3 | 2             | 4            |
| TRRQ12M050B22.0R06          | Tool Holders      | Drawer 3 - 1.0.3 | 2             | 4            |
| 393.14-16 0600              | Tool Holders      | Drawer 2 - 2.0.2 | 5             | 10           |
| ER16 SEAL 8 AA              | Tool Holders      | Drawer 2 - 1.1.2 | 2             | 6            |
| ER20 SEAL 12 AA             | Tool Holders      | Drawer 2 - 2.1.2 | 2             | 4            |
| RQMT1204ENC8-MM AH3135      | Inserts           | Drawer 5 - 0.3.5 | 20            | 100          |
| 390R-070204M-PM 4330        | Inserts           | Drawer 5 - 1.3.5 | 20            | 100          |
| 1U000-0400-050-XA 1620      | Solid Tools       | Drawer 5 - 0.2.5 | 1             | 3            |
| ECF D-2/45-4C06 IC900       | Solid Tools       | Drawer 5 - 1.2.5 | 2             | 4            |
| SCD 035-014-060 ACP3N IC908 | Solid Tools       | Drawer 5 - 0.1.5 | 2             | 4            |
| SCD 045-017-060 ACP3N IC908 | Solid Tools       | Drawer 5 - 1.1.5 | 2             | 4            |
| SCD 060-020-060 ACP3N IC908 | Solid Tools       | Drawer 5 - 2.1.5 | 2             | 4            |
| SCD 080-029-080 ACP3N IC908 | Solid Tools       | Drawer 5 - 0.0.5 | 2             | 4            |
| SCD 090-035-100 ACP3N IC908 | Solid Tools       | Drawer 5 - 1.0.5 | 2             | 4            |
| SCD 100-035-100 ACP3N IC908 | Solid Tools       | Drawer 5 - 2.0.5 | 2             | 4            |
| SCD 110-040-120 ACP3N IC908 | Solid Tools       | Drawer 5 - 3.0.5 | 2             | 4            |
<figcaption>Table 3: Stock Rules list</figcaption>

4. Run the scheduler now instead of waiting for its schedule — see [Verify the scheduler is active](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/purchasing/guides/set-up-automatic-replenishment/#step-3--verify-the-scheduler-is-active). A draft **Purchase Order** appears under **Purchase → Purchase Orders**, grouped by vendor.
5. Review the draft, then **Send** and **Confirm Order** — the review/send/confirm steps match [Create your first purchase order](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/purchasing/tutorials/create-purchase-order/) from here on.

## Receive the goods

Finish with the last two tutorials in the [Purchasing Get started series](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/purchasing/tutorials/) — **Receive goods** when the delivery arrives, then **Process a restock** to place received items into the storage locations the stock rules specified.

## Outcome

Items are in stock at the locations stock rules defined, ordered without anyone manually watching quantities. The Tool Room can start [Stage V](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/start-here/quickstart/production/).