What purchasing instrument should be used to procure material from another plant?

A stock transport order is specifically designed for the transfer of materials between different plants within the same organization. It allows for the movement of stock from one plant to another without the need to create a purchase order for external suppliers. This instrument is efficient for internal logistics, ensuring that stock levels are maintained across various locations within the company.

When using a stock transport order, the process involves initiating a transfer posting that facilitates the physical movement of inventory while also updating the relevant accounting records within the system. This approach streamlines the inter-plant procurement process and helps in managing inventory levels effectively.

On the other hand, standard purchase orders, consignment orders, and contract orders are primarily intended for procurement from external suppliers rather than internal transfers. Standard purchase orders are used for regular purchases, consignment orders allow for materials to be procured without immediate payment, and contract orders generally involve agreements for purchasing over a specified period or quantity but still consider external vendors. As such, these options are not suitable for the specific requirement of transferring materials between plants within the same organization.