Goods Receipt Interim Storage Area in SAP

The Goods Receipt Interim Storage Area in SAP solves common inventory challenges like mismatches or delays during material receipt. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to configure, use, and optimize this temporary storage location for quality checks, inspections, or process validations.

Designed for SAP beginners and professionals, we break down step-by-step processes, essential transaction codes (e.g., MIGO, MM02), and real-world scenarios to streamline workflows. Whether managing raw materials or finished goods, this guide ensures seamless inventory flow from receipt to final use. Let’s begin!

Why the Interim Storage Area Matters

Temporary storage locations (e.g., LGORT 0002) act as checkpoints for quality, inspections, or process alignment. They prevent unvalidated stock from entering production/sales, reducing errors and waste.

Step-by-Step Configuration

1 Create a Storage Location (T-Code OX09)

Define the interim storage location in Table T001L:

Plant (WERKS)Storage Location (LGORT)Description (LGOBE)
10000002Interim Storage Area

2 Assign to Material Master (T-Code MM02)

Update the material master’s Plant/Storage view to include the interim storage location.

3 Define Movement Types (T-Code OMJJ)

  • 101: GR to Interim Storage
  • 309: Transfer to Final Storage

Critical SAP Tables Explained (With Examples)

1 Table T001L (Storage Locations)

Purpose: Stores all storage location master data linked to plants.
Key Fields:

  • WERKS (Plant Code)
  • LGORT (Storage Location Code, e.g., 0002 for interim storage)
  • LGOBE (Storage Location Description)
    Why It Matters:
    This table defines where your interim storage area exists in SAP. Without proper entries here, goods receipt postings (Movement Type 101) will fail.

2 Table MSEG (Material Document Segment)

Purpose: Records line-item details of material movements (e.g., GR, transfers).
Key Fields:

  • MBLNR (Material Document Number)
  • ZEILE (Line Item)
  • BWART (Movement Type, e.g., 101 or 309)
  • LGORT (Storage Location)
    Why It Matters:
    Every goods receipt or transfer to/from interim storage updates MSEG. Use this table to trace what was moved, when, and where.

3 Table MKPF (Material Document Header)

Purpose: Stores header data for material documents (e.g., posting date, user ID).
Key Fields:

  • MBLNR (Material Document Number)
  • MJAHR (Fiscal Year)
  • USNAM (User Who Posted the Document)
    Why It Matters:
    MKPF links to MSEG via MBLNR and MJAHR. It’s critical for audits—you can track who posted a GR and when.

4 Table MBEW (Material Valuation)

Purpose: Manages inventory valuation data (e.g., stock value, price controls).
Key Fields:

  • MATNR (Material Number)
  • BWKEY (Valuation Area, usually the plant)
  • VERPR (Moving Average Price)
    Why It Matters:
    When goods move from interim to final storage, MBEW updates the stock value. Incorrect configurations here can misstate financial inventory.

5 Table QALS (Quality Management Results)

Purpose: Tracks quality inspection results for materials.
Key Fields:

  • PRUEFLOS (Inspection Lot Number)
  • MATNR (Material Number)
  • LOSGR (Inspection Lot Status)
    Why It Matters:
    If goods in interim storage require inspection, QALS holds the quality data. Link inspection lots to GRs for end-to-end traceability.

Real-World Scenarios (From My Consulting Experience)

Case 1: Automotive Supplier’s Quality Hold

Problem: A client’s raw steel coils required 3-day chemical testing before use.
Solution:

  1. GR posted to interim storage (T-Code MIGO, Movement Type 101).
  2. Quality teams updated QALS post-inspection.
  3. Stock transferred to production storage (Movement Type 309).
    Result: Reduced production defects by 30%.

Case 2: Pharma Batch Traceability

Problem: Regulatory audits demanded proof of interim storage for recalled batches.
Solution:

  1. Traced batches in MSEG using MBLNR and CHARG (Batch Number).
  2. Pulled user details from MKPF to validate GR timestamps.
    Result: Passed FDA audit with zero non-conformities.

Step-by-Step Process Flow

1 Post Goods Receipt to Interim Storage

  • T-Code: MIGO
  • Movement Type: 101
  • Tables Updated: MSEG, MKPF, MBEW

2 Trigger Quality Inspection

  • T-Code: QA01 (Create Inspection Lot)
  • Tables Updated: QALS

3 Transfer to Final Storage

  • T-Code: MIGO
  • Movement Type: 309
  • Tables Updated: MSEG, MKPF, MBEW

FAQs: Answers from a Consultant’s Lens

Q: Can interim storage locations be used for multiple plants?

A: No. Storage locations (LGORT) are plant-specific. Define unique interim areas per plant in T001L.

Q: How to handle expired stock in interim storage?

A: Use T-Code MR21 to adjust stock or MB1B (Movement Type 555) for scrapping. Always update MBEW for valuation changes.

Q: Why can’t I see interim stock in MMBE?

A: Check if the storage location is assigned to the material master (via MM02). Also, verify user authorizations for the LGORT.

Pro Tips for Smooth Operations

  1. Automate Quality Integration: Use SAP’s Inspection Lot (QIN1) workflow to auto-transfer goods post-approval.
  2. Leverage User Exits: Enhance MSEG validations with User Exit MM07MFE for custom checks during GR.
  3. Regularly Archive Data: Use T-Code SARA to archive old MSEG/MKPF entries and boost system performance.

Final Words

The Goods Receipt Interim Storage Area in SAP isn’t just a technical step—it’s a strategic workflow checkpoint. By mastering tables like MSEG, MKPF, and QALS, you ensure compliance, accuracy, and operational efficiency.