purchasing

noun3

1. •
   An act or process of making a purchase.

   • As our exports and imports are now nearly in balance, it is assumed that such bargaining, if agreed to, would induce the debtor nations to greatly increase their purchasings from us […] — 1936
2. •
   A complex, organized process in large organizations for obtaining goods that may include identification of requirements, approvals, supplier management, negotiation, receipt of goods, and payment.
3. •
   A part of an organization that manages such processes