VCU Procurement Services

Early Payment Discounts (EPDs) help VCU stretch its purchasing dollars by allowing certain vendors to accept slightly reduced payments in exchange for faster payment than the standard 35-day terms. The program usually runs smoothly, but questions often arise during vendor transitions—when a vendor is added to or removed from the program. EPD terms follow the […]

We’ve all been there: you’re reviewing your department’s accounts and notice a lingering $1.50 balance on a closed PO from an early payment discount, or you realize an index code was entered incorrectly on a line that has already been paid. In the procurement world, we call the practice of keeping these records accurate and […]

Completing receiving in RealSource as soon as goods arrive or services are performed is one of the easiest ways to prevent invoice delays. If receiving isn’t completed, invoices may be unable to process for payment—even when everything else is correct. Why it matters Timely receiving helps VCU: Common myths (and the facts) Myth Fact “I […]

A 2026 Quick Reference Guide for RealSource is now available to help users quickly navigate common tasks and processes. You can access the guide directly in RealSource through the Quick Links section. What’s Inside the Guide The guide covers key RealSource functions, including: Access the Guide Find the Quick Reference (2026) Guide in the Quick […]

As we prepare to close for winter break, we invite you to join us for the final Procurement Virtual Office Hour of the year. This session is a great opportunity to: Join Us Every Tuesday | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | via ZoomOur Virtual Office Hour connects you directly with Procurement Services specialists for real-time support and guidance. […]

VCU Procurement Services is updating the way credits are handled in RealSource to improve transparency, compliance, and communication with departments. What’s changing? In the past, some credits were applied informally to offset the invoice. Moving forward, all credits will be  entered into RealSource to offset invoiced items. Most importantly, when a department returns an item […]

We’re making an important update to our shipping policies. The option to use a one-time ship-to-home address will be discontinued. Why the Change? This adjustment allows us to streamline our procurement processes and ensure better tracking and accountability for all shipments. What Are Your Alternatives? If you need to ship items to an employee’s home […]

Searching made easy! The RealSource Search feature is designed to help you quickly find and manage your purchase orders. With five pre-built searches—like Open POs, Discounts Requiring a Receipt, and Invoices Requiring Receipts—you can narrow your focus and find the exact info you need. Just use the orders icon and filter by department to make […]

Processing your receipts promptly ensures that payments are made accordingly before the winter break. This helps avoid any delays or issues that could arise from unprocessed receipts during the holiday season. Check Notifications: Log in to RealSource and review your receipt notifications. Process Promptly: Handle all receipts as soon as you receive them. Stay Organized: […]

Greetings! As we embrace the winter season, let’s ensure a smooth wrap-up for 2024. Please take note of the key dates and tasks in the procurement closing schedule. For all the details, visit the Winter Wrap-Up 2024 Procurement Closing Schedule.