Learn about the Receiving Process

Learn about the categories of products and services that require receiving, and find instructions for managing receiving in the ARC System at Columbia University. 

Details

Receiving is the process of inspecting, accepting and/or rejecting a requested good or service in accordance with University policy. Columbia University utilizes ARC's functionality to record receipts for items such as equipment, hazardous material and restricted commodities (e.g. radioactive materials). 

The correct accounting of these goods, along with the date the good was received, is needed to confirm that what was ordered was received. The payment will be made to the vendor when the goods, purchase order, and invoice(s) are received and are matched successfully.

Who Should Know About Receiving

The receiving policy applies to everyone working at the University or working on behalf of the University, who plays a role in committing resources, procuring products and services and paying for goods and services at the University.

All University employees or others responsible for any aspect of purchasing goods and services on behalf of the University should be familiar with and guided by Columbia's receiving process.

Exclusion and Special Situation

Purchases of animals and animal-related products, without purchase orders, by the Institute of Comparative Medicine (ICM) is not governed by Columbia University's policy, and is covered by ICM policy. 

Some restricted commodities may have additional requirements or restrictions governing their physical receipt. 

For more information, please refer to Columbia University's Receiving Policy.

Receiving Policy

For general guidance and instructions for managing goods and services that require receiving prior to payment, refer to the Receiving Policy.

Learn About Receiving in ARC 

For guidance on how to create a record of receipt in ARC –

Receiving Categories

For a specific list of categories that require receiving, please refer to Receiving Categories in ARC. 

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