Material requisition form definition
/What is a Material Requisition Form?
A material requisition form lists the items to be picked from inventory and used in the production process or in the provision of a service to a customer, usually for a specific job. The form usually has three purposes, which are to pick items from stock, relieve the inventory records in the amount of the items picked, and charge the targeted job for the cost of the items requisitioned. The form can also be used as the basis for the reordering of any inventory items that are not currently in stock.
Contents of a Material Requisition Form
The information most commonly found on a material requisition form includes:
Header section: Job number to be charged
Header section: Date of requisition
Header section: Date by which inventory is required
Main body: Item number or description to be pulled from stock
Main body: Unit quantity to be pulled from stock
Footer section: Authorization signature line
If the materials are to be delivered to a specific location, there may also be space in the header in which to identify the delivery location.
Unless a service invoice is to be prepared from this document, it usually does not include item costs or prices.
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How Material Requisition Copies are Used
Here’s how each copy of a material requisition form is typically used:
Original (warehouse). The warehouse retains the original copy to process the material request. It serves as the primary document for pulling items from stock and ensuring that the correct quantity and specifications are met.
Department copy. This copy goes to the department or project that requested the materials, serving as a record of the request. It allows the department to monitor the status of their request and check for accuracy in what was received.
Accounting copy. This copy is sent to the accounting department to track costs and update financial records. It is used for cost allocation, ensuring that the cost of materials is properly assigned to the correct project or department.
Purchasing copy (if used). If materials need to be ordered externally due to insufficient stock, this copy goes to the purchasing department. The purchasing team can use it to initiate an order with suppliers, ensuring they know the specifications and quantities required.
How Auditors Use the Material Requisition Form
Auditors may trace the flow of material requisition forms through a company, to see if inventory items are being appropriately used and recorded as mandated by company materials handling procedures. They are especially interested in whether material requisitions are being appropriately approved. If not, the auditors may conclude that they cannot rely upon certain aspects of a company's control systems as part of their audit activities, and so will bolster other audit activities.
Terms Similar to the Material Requisition Form
A material requisition form may also be known as a purchase requisition form, though a purchase requisition can be used for all types of purchases, not just those involved in the production process.