The difference between procurement and purchasing is that procurement is the process of getting the goods and services for the company. In the overall supply chain process, the procurement function stops once the company has possession of the goods. Purchasing is a sub-set function of procurement, it refers only to the buying of goods or services and includes receiving and payment steps. These two functions work closely together as purchasing is a part of procurement. Purchasing managers work closely with procurement managers and vice versa. Working in procurement means having skills and knowledge related to purchasing functions to ensure success in the overall procurement process.