What defines a catalog item?

A catalog item is specifically defined as an item associated with a supplier contract. This means that it is part of an agreed-upon arrangement between the purchasing organization and a supplier, which outlines the terms, pricing, and availability of the item. This association with a contract ensures that the procurement process is streamlined, compliant, and typically offers specific pricing or terms that are not available for non-contracted items.

Additionally, catalog items are essential for organizations as they help ensure consistency in purchasing, facilitate budgeting, and enable efficient order processing. Items that are simply listed with multiple suppliers or available for public sale might not meet the criteria of a catalog item, as they do not include the contractual relationship that defines the terms of sale. Similarly, non-contractually obligated purchase items do not provide the same level of assurance regarding pricing or availability as catalog items do.