PO Number
Unique identifier for tracking and matching invoices; include prefix/suffix conventions to tie to projects or cost centers.
A well-prepared Purchase Order clarifies responsibilities, protects budget integrity, and supports timely payment reconciliation while reducing disputes between buyer and supplier.
Procurement, purchasing, and accounts payable teams typically create or manage POs; suppliers and project managers rely on them for fulfillment.
Legal, inventory control, and finance review POs at different stages to ensure compliance, budget alignment, and accurate receiving and invoicing.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Approval Workflow | Two-step approval for purchases over threshold |
| Authentication | Email plus optional SMS code for signer identity |
| Document Format | Issue POs as PDF/A for archiving and DOCX for editable drafts |
| Archive Location | Central cloud repository with version history |
Use systems that support PDF and DOCX exchange, secure storage, and integration with ERP and AP systems.
Unique identifier for tracking and matching invoices; include prefix/suffix conventions to tie to projects or cost centers.
Full legal buyer name, contact, billing address, and internal cost center to ensure payments are applied correctly.
Supplier legal name, remit-to address, and tax ID or EIN so invoices clear accounts payable validation and tax reporting.
Precise description, SKU/part number, quantity, unit price, and applicable unit of measure for each deliverable or service task.
Shipping method, delivery address, expected delivery date, incoterms (if relevant), and acceptance procedure for received goods.
Net terms, early payment discounts, tax responsibility, and any penalties or interest for late payment.
Save a PDF/A copy with embedded signature evidence and metadata to ensure long-term readability and auditability.
Keep DOCX or native source files for internal edits prior to finalization; mark versions clearly to avoid confusion.
Export line items and totals as CSV or XML for direct import into inventory and accounting systems during reconciliation.
Maintain a secure backup in the enterprise document management system with access controls and version history.
Kodi-Marie Evans, Director of NetSuite Operations at Xerox, used signNow to connect PO workflows to NetSuite.
Bob Dutkowsky, CEO of Tech Data, improved procurement-to-invoice throughput using digital signatures.
Date the PO was authorized and sent to supplier
Supplier should acknowledge acceptance within agreed lead time
Date supplier is contracted to deliver goods or services
Supplier submits invoice after delivery referencing PO number
Common terms: Net 30, Net 60, or early payment discount terms
Requester obtains budget and manager sign-off
Procurement validates vendor and pricing
Formal PO sent to supplier with terms
Goods received, invoice matched, and PO closed
Confirm if contract or local law requires notarization for this transaction
Decide between in-person notarization or remote online notarization
Use ID analysis, KBA, or multifactor identity verification for RON
RON workflows require an audio-video record retained per state rules
Maintain a notary journal entry when required by state law
Obtain express consent to electronic notarization when required
Include the notary certificate or RON seal with the PO
Retain notarization records consistent with state retention periods
| Criteria | Electronic PO | Paper PO |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization Required | ||
| Authentication | audit trail | wet signature |
| Processing Time | typically faster | typically slower |
| Recordkeeping | centralized digital archive | distributed physical files |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Premium plan) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
The Procurement Manager is usually authorized to sign POs up to delegated thresholds. They ensure vendor selection follows policy, confirm budget availability, and validate pricing and delivery terms before signing.
An authorized vendor representative signs to accept the PO. Their signature confirms acceptance of terms, delivery obligations, and invoicing instructions and creates a binding commercial commitment.