> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/field-operations/inventory/creating-and-receiving-purchase-orders.md).

# Creating and receiving purchase orders

Purchase orders live under Inventory -> Purchase Orders. Click New Purchase Order to create one: pick a supplier (required), optionally set a PO number and an estimated delivery date, add a note, and add the inventory items and quantities you're ordering. A new PO starts in the Open status.

![Purchase orders list](/files/qPntInZZYxhqgeRs0S67)

Suppliers are managed separately in Inventory Settings, so add a supplier there first if the one you need isn't in the list - the PO screen only selects from existing suppliers. Purchase orders track quantities only; there are no cost or price fields.

![Create purchase order form](/files/YcpJEOXSwA5pgwUZ5t0Y)

When a delivery arrives, open the PO and click Receive Items. Choose Receive All to log the full remaining quantity, or Partial Delivery to receive some now and the rest later across multiple deliveries.

Receiving adds the items to your on-hand and available stock at your business's default inventory location, so you need a default location configured for receiving to work. As you receive, the PO automatically moves to Partially Received and then Fully Received.

![Purchase order detail page](/files/NZ3mxoIYNLSQzJSQRYqQ)

Open the PO's menu to Close it (you'll enter a reason); closing stops any further receiving, and there's no Reopen option, so close a PO only when you're done with it.

After creating a PO you can edit its supplier, delivery date, notes, and attachments, but you can't change the line items or quantities, and purchase orders can't be deleted - they're closed instead.

> **Where to find it:** Inventory -> Purchase Orders in the left sidebar (/inventory/purchase-orders). Use New Purchase Order to create one; open a PO to Receive Items, Edit, or Close it.

## Related guides

* [Adjust on-hand quantity and transfer items between locations](/field-operations/inventory/adjust-on-hand-quantity-and-transfer-items-between-locations.md)
* [Inventory quantity terms: on-hand, reserved, available, incoming](/field-operations/inventory/inventory-quantity-terms-on-hand-reserved-available-incoming.md)
* [Reorder levels and what's running low](/field-operations/inventory/reorder-levels-and-whats-running-low.md)
* [See and browse your inventory (the Inventory page)](/field-operations/inventory/see-and-browse-your-inventory-the-inventory-page.md)
* [What the inventory item page shows](/field-operations/inventory/what-the-inventory-item-page-shows.md)


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