TutorialKart.comIn this SAP FICO Tutorial, you will learn how to assign number ranges to vendor account groups in SAP. After configuration of vendor account groups and number ranges for vendor accounts, you need to assign these number ranges to vendor account groups so that vendor master records receive numbers according to the correct grouping rule.
This assignment is normally done during vendor master configuration. The account group controls vendor classification and field status behavior, while the assigned number range controls the vendor account number interval used when a vendor is created.
Configuration Values
| Group | Name | Number Range |
| T001 | Domestic Vendor | T1 |
| T002 | Import Vendor | T2 |
| T003 | One Time Vendor | T3 |
Purpose of configuration
You can assign one number range to one or more vendor account groups in SAP as per organization requirements. Based on the number range assignment, a unique vendor account number is assigned to a vendor account.
For e.g. T1 number range (5000 – 5999) is assigned to a domestic vendor T001. When domestic vendor account is created, a unique number such as 5000 is assigned. So you can create vendor accounts up to 5999 within that number range interval.
Assign Number Ranges to Vendor Account Groups in SAP Using OBAS
You can assign number ranges to vendor account groups in SAP using transaction code OBAS or the IMG menu path. The OBAS activity links each vendor account group key with a number range key that has already been created for vendor accounts.
Before starting this activity, make sure the required vendor account groups and vendor number ranges are already available. If the number range key is not created first, it cannot be assigned correctly in the OBAS configuration screen.
Navigation
| Transaction Code | OBAS |
| IMG Menu | SPRO > IMG (Implementation Guide for R/3 Customizing) > Financial Accounting (New) > Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable > Vendor Accounts > Master Data > Assign Number Ranges to Vendor Account groups. |
Vendor Account Group and Number Range Assignment Example
In this example, three account groups are used for three different vendor categories. Domestic vendors, import vendors, and one-time vendors are separated into different account groups, and each account group is assigned its own number range key.
| Vendor account group | Vendor category | Assigned number range | Expected result |
|---|---|---|---|
| T001 | Domestic Vendor | T1 | Vendor numbers are picked from the T1 interval. |
| T002 | Import Vendor | T2 | Vendor numbers are picked from the T2 interval. |
| T003 | One Time Vendor | T3 | Vendor numbers are picked from the T3 interval. |
One number range can be shared by more than one vendor account group if the business wants those vendor types to use the same numbering interval. However, if vendor categories must be easily identified from the vendor number itself, separate number ranges are usually maintained.
Step 1: Open OBAS to Assign Vendor Account Group Number Ranges
Step 1 : – Enter SAP transaction code “OBAS” in the SAP commend field and enter.
The system opens the customizing view where vendor account groups are maintained against number range keys. If the system asks for a customizing request while saving, select an appropriate transport request as per your project process.
Step 2: Position the Vendor Account Group in OBAS
Step 2 : – On change view “Assign vendor account groups – number ranges overview screen, click on position button and enter vendor account group key in the given field, so the vendor account group key displays on top of the screen.
Using the position option is helpful when the system has many vendor account groups. Enter the account group key, such as T001, and continue so that the required line appears for maintenance.
Step 3: Enter the Number Range Key for the Vendor Account Group
Now assign number range key T1 for T001 (domestic vendors) as shown below image.
Click on save button and save the configured details.
Similarly assign T2 and T3 number ranges to other vendor account groups T002 and T003.
After saving, the assignment is available for vendor master creation. When a user creates a vendor with the account group T001, the system refers to the number range key T1 and assigns the vendor number according to that interval and its internal or external numbering setting.
Internal and External Vendor Number Range Behavior in SAP
The number range assigned to a vendor account group may be internal or external depending on how the interval was created. This setting affects what happens during vendor master creation.
| Number range type | How vendor number is entered | Typical usage |
|---|---|---|
| Internal number range | SAP automatically assigns the next available vendor number from the interval. | Used when the organization wants system-controlled vendor numbering. |
| External number range | User enters a vendor number manually within the allowed interval. | Used when vendor numbers must follow an external or legacy numbering rule. |
If the wrong interval is assigned to an account group, vendor numbers may be created in the wrong sequence or outside the expected business category. Therefore, check the number range interval before saving the account group assignment.
SAP S/4HANA Note for Supplier and Business Partner Numbering
In SAP S/4HANA, supplier master data is commonly integrated with Business Partner configuration. The vendor account group and number range assignment may still be relevant in supplier/customer-vendor integration scenarios, but the Business Partner grouping and number range settings also need to be aligned. For current S/4HANA projects, review the relevant SAP Help documentation for supplier and Business Partner number range configuration, such as SAP Help for defining number ranges.
Common Checks Before Saving OBAS Vendor Number Range Assignment
Use the following checks before saving the OBAS configuration in a development or customizing client.
- Confirm that the vendor account group exists and is the correct one for the business category.
- Confirm that the number range key exists before assigning it to the vendor account group.
- Check whether the number range is internal or external, because this affects vendor master creation.
- Verify that the number interval has enough available numbers for future vendor creation.
- Confirm whether more than one account group should share the same number range or use separate number ranges.
- Save the configuration under the correct transport request if your SAP system requires transport management.
Troubleshooting Vendor Account Group Number Range Assignment in SAP
| Issue during vendor numbering | Possible reason | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor account group is not found in OBAS | The account group may not have been created or transported. | Check vendor account group configuration before assigning the number range. |
| Number range key cannot be assigned | The number range interval may not exist for vendor accounts. | Create or verify the vendor number range first, then return to OBAS. |
| User must enter vendor number manually | The assigned number range may be external. | Check the internal/external setting of the number range interval. |
| System assigns vendor numbers from the wrong interval | The account group may be assigned to an incorrect number range key. | Review the OBAS assignment for that vendor account group. |
| Vendor creation fails because number range is exhausted | The interval may have reached its upper limit. | Review interval status and maintain a suitable number range according to project policy. |
FAQs on Assigning Number Ranges to Vendor Account Groups in SAP
How to assign vendor account group number ranges in SAP?
Use transaction code OBAS or the IMG path for assigning number ranges to vendor account groups. In the assignment screen, find the vendor account group, enter the required number range key, and save the configuration.
How to assign number range in SAP for vendor accounts?
First create the vendor number range interval, then assign the number range key to the required vendor account group using OBAS. The system uses this assignment when a vendor master is created under that account group.
What is FK09 in SAP?
FK09 is commonly used for vendor confirmation in Financial Accounting. It is different from OBAS. OBAS is a configuration transaction for assigning vendor number ranges to account groups, while FK09 is used in vendor master processing.
Can one vendor number range be assigned to multiple account groups?
Yes. One number range can be assigned to more than one vendor account group if the organization wants those groups to share the same vendor numbering interval. If each vendor category requires separate numbering, assign different number range keys.
How do I mass change vendor account group in SAP?
Changing account groups for existing vendor records is not the same as assigning number ranges in OBAS. For mass changes, SAP transaction MASS may be considered depending on the field, system release, and authorization. Test carefully in a non-production system because account group changes can affect field status, numbering logic, and related master data behavior.
Editorial QA Checklist for SAP Vendor Number Range Assignment
- The tutorial clearly separates vendor account group configuration, number range creation, and OBAS assignment.
- The example account groups T001, T002, and T003 are consistently mapped to T1, T2, and T3.
- The steps mention transaction code OBAS and the IMG path for the same configuration activity.
- The screenshots remain in the same sequence as the SAP configuration flow.
- The article explains internal and external vendor numbering before the troubleshooting section.
- The S/4HANA note does not replace the OBAS procedure but alerts readers to Business Partner number range alignment where applicable.
Summary of OBAS Vendor Account Group Number Range Assignment
Successfully we have assigned number ranges to vendor account groups in SAP. After this configuration, SAP uses the assigned number range key when a vendor is created with the relevant account group. Always verify the account group, interval, and internal or external numbering setting before moving the configuration to the next system.