The collective process of delivery in SAP typically refers to the series of steps and tasks involved in handling a delivery document, from its creation to the goods issue and invoicing. Below is a breakdown of the collective process of delivery within the SAP Sales and Distribution (SD) module, focusing on key steps that are commonly involved:

1. Sales Order Creation

  • Transaction Code: VA01 (Create Sales Order)
  • Description: The process begins when a sales order is created. The sales order serves as the foundation for the delivery document.
  • Details: The order contains essential information such as customer details, materials, quantities, and delivery terms.

2. Delivery Creation

  • Transaction Code: VL01N (Create Delivery)
  • Description: After the sales order is processed, a delivery document is created. The delivery document represents the physical dispatch of goods from the warehouse.
  • Details: The delivery document includes information such as:
    • Delivery date
    • Shipping point
    • Items to be delivered (from the sales order)
    • Quantities and materials

3. Picking and Packing

  • Transaction Code: LT03 (Create Transfer Order for Picking) / HU03 (Handling Unit Management)
  • Description: Once the delivery document is created, the goods are picked from the warehouse based on the materials and quantities specified in the delivery document.
    • Packing: After picking, goods may be packed into shipping containers (handled through Handling Units in SAP).
  • Details: The goods are moved from warehouse storage locations to staging areas before shipping.

4. Post Goods Issue (PGI)

  • Transaction Code: VL02N (Change Delivery) → Post Goods Issue
  • Description: After the goods have been picked and packed, the goods issue is posted. This step reduces the inventory in Materials Management (MM) and marks the goods as dispatched in Sales and Distribution (SD).
  • Details: The PGI action updates the stock levels, generates accounting documents in FI (Financial Accounting), and ties the goods movement to the delivery document.

5. Invoice Generation

  • Transaction Code: VF01 (Create Billing Document)
  • Description: After the goods issue is completed, an invoice is created based on the delivery. The invoice can either be created automatically or manually, depending on configuration settings.
  • Details: The invoice includes:
    • Customer information
    • Delivery details
    • Payment terms
    • Total amount
  • Related Processes: Once the invoice is posted, it generates accounting documents in FI and can trigger accounts receivable processes.

6. Invoice Verification (Optional)

  • Transaction Code: VF02 (Change Billing Document)
  • Description: In cases of discrepancies or modifications (e.g., pricing issues, shipping errors), the invoice can be changed using VF02.
  • Details: Adjustments can be made to the invoice (e.g., canceling an invoice or correcting item details) before final approval.

7. Shipping and Delivery Completion

  • Transaction Code: VL03N (Display Delivery)
  • Description: The delivery is monitored and completed once the goods have been shipped and invoiced. The delivery document status is updated as completed.
  • Details: After delivery is completed and invoiced, the sales order is updated as closed, and the customer is billed for the goods.

8. Customer Returns (If Applicable)

  • Transaction Code: VA01 (Create Returns Order) / VL09 (Reverse PGI)
  • Description: In case of returns, a returns order is created. The Post Goods Issue (PGI) can be reversed if the goods are returned, and a credit memo can be created to adjust the invoice.
  • Details: The return process can involve updating the stock and initiating a credit memo or refund to the customer.

Collective Delivery Process Overview:

The collective delivery process in SAP integrates several key modules such as Sales and Distribution (SD), Materials Management (MM), and Financial Accounting (FI). Here’s a summary of the collective steps involved:

  1. Sales Order Creation (VA01)
  2. Delivery Creation (VL10A) or VL10C
Collective process of delivery in SAP

Conclusion

The collective delivery process in SAP is an integrated set of tasks that handle the flow of goods from order creation to invoice generation. By following these steps and ensuring proper integration between SAP modules, companies can manage deliveries efficiently, improve inventory management, and ensure accurate financial reporting.