Since Northern Michigan University is located in a rural area and deliveries may take longer than expected, each department must preplan supply and equipment needs.
After the Purchasing Department receives the properly prepared and approved purchase requisition, the time required to issue an order and secure delivery varies greatly. The workload at any given time within the Purchasing Department is also a factor. Delivery, however, always depends on the supplier's stock and the problems they have in producing or securing delivery from their suppliers.