Defining delivery block reasons in SAP is essential for controlling the processing of sales and delivery documents. To create a custom delivery block, navigate to the SAP Implementation Guide (IMG) via transaction code SPRO. Follow the path: Sales and Distribution > Sales > Sales Documents > Define and Assign Delivery Blocks. Here, you can define new blocking reasons by specifying a two-character code and a descriptive text, and selecting the relevant criteria such as order block, confirmation block, or goods issue block.

After defining the blocking reasons, assign them to the appropriate delivery types to ensure they function as intended during order processing. This configuration allows for enhanced control over the sales and delivery processes, ensuring that orders meeting specific criteria are reviewed or halted as necessary before proceeding further.

Step 1: Define Delivery Blocking Reasons in SAP

  1. Access the Implementation Guide (IMG):
    • Enter transaction code SPRO in the command field and press Enter.
    • Click on SAP Reference IMG to open the Implementation Guide.
  2. Navigate to Delivery Blocking Reasons:
    • Follow the path: Sales and Distribution > Sales > Sales Documents > Define and Assign Delivery Blocks.
  1. Define New Blocking Reason:
    • Select Define Delivery Blocks and click on New Entries.
    • Enter a two-character code (e.g., Z1) and a descriptive text (e.g., “Review Required”).
    • Specify the criteria for the block by selecting relevant checkboxes:
      1. Order: Blocks the sales order.
      2. Conf.: Prevents order quantity confirmation.
      3. Print: Blocks output generation for the sales document.
      4. DDueList: Excludes the document from the delivery due list.
      5. Picki: Prevents picking of goods.
      6. Goods: Blocks goods issue.
    • After setting the desired options, save your entries.

Step 2: Assign Delivery Block to Sales Document Types

  1. Navigate to Sales Document Types:
    • In the IMG, go to: Sales and Distribution > Sales > Sales Documents > Sales Document Header > Define Sales Document Types.
  2. Select Sales Document Type:
    • Choose the sales document type (e.g., OR for standard orders) you wish to assign the delivery block to.
  3. Assign Delivery Block:
    • In the Shipping section, find the Delivery block field.
    • Enter the code of the delivery block you defined earlier (e.g., Z1).
    • Save your changes.

Step 3: Apply Delivery Block in Sales Orders

  1. Create a Sales Order:
    • Use transaction code VA01 to create a new sales order.
    • Enter the necessary details, including the sales document type you’ve configured.
  2. Review Delivery Block Status:
    • Navigate to the Shipping tab at the header or item level.
    • The Delivery block field should display the default block reason (e.g., “Review Required”).
    • Complete the sales order entry and save.

Step 4: Process the Delivery Block

  1. Attempt Delivery Creation:
    • Use transaction code VL01N to create a delivery for the sales order.
    • Enter the required details and proceed.
    • The system will display an error message indicating that the sales order is blocked for delivery.
  2. Remove Delivery Block:
    • Once the necessary reviews or actions are completed, remove the delivery block:
      • Use transaction code VA02 to change the sales order.
      • Navigate to the Shipping tab and clear the Delivery block field.
      • Save the changes.
  3. Proceed with Delivery:
    • After removing the block, use VL01N to create the delivery.
    • The system will now allow the delivery process to continue.

Key Considerations:

  • Automatic vs. Manual Blocks: Delivery blocks can be set to apply automatically based on sales document types or can be applied manually during sales order processing.
  • Review Processes: Implementing delivery blocks ensures that certain orders are reviewed or meet specific criteria before proceeding to delivery, enhancing process control.
  • Customization: Tailor delivery blocks to your organization’s needs by defining specific blocking reasons and assigning them appropriately.

By configuring delivery blocks, you gain control over the delivery process, ensuring that only orders meeting all necessary criteria proceed, thereby maintaining operational efficiency and accuracy.