Be familiar with P-Card-related terminology and how P-Cards work.

• ♦ P-Card Introduction (What, Why, How and Who)
• ♦ Glossary
• The Anatomy of a Transaction – by MasterCard Worldwide

Understand the benefits of P-Cards.

• ♦ P-Card Value Proposition
• Understanding the Processes and Related Costs
• Commercial Card Programs: Sizing the Prize – by First Annapolis Consulting
• ♦ Example Comparison: Rebate vs. P-Card Process Savings
• AFP^® Payments Decision Guide to Implementing a P-Card Program

3

Research the opportunities for your organization and create the business case.

• Keys to Better Project Management – from IAPP
• The Imperative of Spending Analytics for a Purchasing Card Program – by Alan Goldberg, Triplet Advisory Services
• P-Card Business Case Elements
• ♦ Gaining Management Buy-In

Start to address program infrastructure elements, such as those listed below, while following best practices.

• ♦ Procure-to-Pay Process
• ♦ Regulatory Requirements (e.g., tax)
• ♦ Controls
• ♦ Program Roles and Staffing
• ♦ Supplier Strategies
• ♦ Training and Communications
• ♦ Technology and Integration

Conduct a request for proposal (RFP) process to select an issuer.

• ♦ The Request for Proposal Process
• ♦ NAPCP Provider Directory

Prepare for, and proceed with, implementing the program, beginning with a pilot to test the processes.

• ♦ Program Implementation Overview
• The Purchasing Card Implementation Report – by Aberdeen Group
• ♦ MasterCard Corporate Purchasing Card Implementation Guide
• Program Pitfalls and Success Strategies
• Situational Leadership Supports P-Card Program Management – by Raushan Gross

Strive for efficient program management and pursue continuous improvement. Consider program expansion when the infrastructure is sound. 

• Evaluating the P-Card Program Infrastructure
• ♦ Program Management, Optimization and Expansion
• Managing an Effective Commercial Card Program by Partnering with A/P and Purchasing—summary of presentation by Jason Grunin, Associate Director of Special Projects, University of Tulsa
  

NAPCP Report: Purchasing Card Best Practices: The Key Elements of Building a World-Class Program, Fourth Edition—May 2015

NAPCP Report: Optimizing Revenue Sharing, Second Edition—August 2015