Three-way match
3-way match / 3-way match · Three-way matching
Three-way matching compares the purchase order, goods or services receipt and supplier invoice before payment, checking quantities, prices, terms and accepted delivery.
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Simply put
What it means in ordinary work
It checks that what was ordered, what arrived and what is being charged agree. Differences are resolved before the invoice is paid.
Why it matters
The control reduces overpayment, duplicate invoices and payment for undelivered goods. It also creates a clear link between commitments, receipts and cash.
A hypothetical in practice
A hypothetical invoice shows 100 units at the contract price, the receipt shows 100 accepted and the order confirms the same price. The system matches all three and schedules payment automatically.
Common pitfalls
Strict matching can delay legitimate service invoices if receipting is weak. Fix the process rather than bypass the control.
Matching to the wrong order or duplicate supplier record can approve a wrong payment.
Regional lens
How this lands where you work
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As-of date for date-sensitive regional content: 5 November 2026. Read the review policy.