TutorialKart.comIn this SAP SD tutorial, you will learn how to maintain loading point in SAP step by step using the SAP IMG menu path. A loading point is maintained under a shipping point and helps identify the exact place or responsibility area where loading activities are handled.
Maintain Loading Point in SAP SD
In SAP system, you can divide a shipping point into multiple loading points as per the requirements of an organisation. Loading Point is a sub division of shipping point.
For example, one shipping point may have different physical loading bays, docks, ramps, or responsibility areas. Maintaining loading points helps the shipping team identify where the loading activity should be carried out within the selected shipping point.
What is a Loading Point in SAP SD?
A loading point in SAP SD is an organisational subdivision of a shipping point used in Logistics Execution. It represents a specific loading area or responsibility point within the shipping location. The loading point is not a replacement for the shipping point; it is maintained below the shipping point to provide more detailed loading information.
| SAP SD object | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Point | Main organisational unit responsible for shipping processing | Plant warehouse shipping office |
| Loading Point | Sub area within a shipping point where loading is carried out | Dock 01, Dock 02, Export loading bay |
When to Create Loading Points Under a Shipping Point
You maintain loading points when the same shipping point has more than one loading area or when different people are responsible for different loading locations. This configuration is useful when warehouse or dispatch operations need more detail than the shipping point alone can provide.
- Create loading points when a shipping point has multiple loading docks or gates.
- Use loading points when different teams handle different loading areas.
- Maintain clear descriptions so users can identify the correct loading location.
- Keep the loading point key short and meaningful because it is used in configuration and transaction screens.
SAP IMG Path to Maintain Loading Point
You can create loading points in SAP by using the following navigation method.
SAP IMG Path : SPRO >> SAP Reference IMG > Enterprise Structure > Definition > Logistics Execution > Maintain Loading Point.
SPRO → SAP Reference IMG → Enterprise Structure → Definition → Logistics Execution → Maintain Loading PointBefore you start this activity, make sure the shipping point is already defined. Loading points are maintained for a selected shipping point, so the system first asks you to enter the shipping point key as the work area.
Step-by-Step Configuration to Maintain Loading Point in SAP
Step 1 : – Execute transaction code “SPRO” in command field and press enter to continue.
Step 2 : From Customizing : Execute Project screen, click on “SAP Reference IMG“
Step 3 : Follow the Navigation menu path: Enterprise Structure – Definition – Logistics Execution, and click on IMG activity “Maintain Loading Point”.
Step 4 : A dialog box – determine work area : entry screen appears asking you to update the shipping point. Update the shipping point key for which you want to maintain loading points in SAP. After updating the details press enter to continue.
Step 5 : On change view loading points overview screen, click on new entries button to create new loading point in SAP.
Step 6 : On new entries loading point screen, update the following details.
- Loading Point : Update the two digits key that defines as loading point in SAP system.
- Responsibility : Update the responsible person Id for charging of loading point.
- Description : Update the descriptive text of loading point.
After maintaining the required details for loading point configuration, click on save button and save the configured details.
Successfully we have maintained loading point in SAP system.
Loading Point Field Details in SAP SD Configuration
The loading point configuration screen contains only a few fields, but the values should be maintained carefully because users may depend on them during shipping and warehouse processing.
| Field | Purpose | Configuration note |
|---|---|---|
| Loading Point | Identifies the loading point under the selected shipping point | Use a short key that is easy to recognise, such as 01 or 02. |
| Responsibility | Stores the person or responsibility reference for the loading point | Maintain this based on the responsible team or person used by your organisation. |
| Description | Explains the loading point in business language | Use a clear description such as Main Loading Dock or Export Bay. |
Shipping Point and Loading Point Difference in SAP SD
The shipping point is the main shipping execution unit in SAP SD. It is used for activities such as delivery processing and shipping responsibility. The loading point is a lower-level detail maintained inside the shipping point. It helps identify the exact loading area but does not replace shipping point determination.
- Shipping point: Used as a key organisational unit for shipping processing.
- Loading point: Used as an additional location or responsibility detail under a shipping point.
- Configuration sequence: Define the shipping point first, then maintain loading points for that shipping point.
Loading Point and Unloading Point Difference in SAP
Loading point and unloading point are not the same. A loading point belongs to the sending side and is maintained under a shipping point. An unloading point generally refers to the receiving side, such as the place where goods are unloaded at the customer or destination. When configuring loading points, do not confuse them with customer unloading point information.
| Term | Used for | Typical business meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Loading Point | Outbound shipping side | Where goods are loaded for dispatch |
| Unloading Point | Receiving or customer side | Where goods are unloaded at destination |
Common Issues While Maintaining Loading Point in SAP
- Shipping point not created: Create or confirm the shipping point before maintaining loading points.
- Wrong work area: If you enter the wrong shipping point in the work area, the loading point will be maintained under the wrong shipping point.
- Unclear description: Avoid vague descriptions such as Test or Loading. Use a description that helps users identify the actual loading area.
- Missing save request: Save the configuration and assign it to the correct transport request when working in a customizing client.
- Confusing loading point with unloading point: Loading point is for the shipping side; unloading point is related to the receiving side.
Editorial QA Checklist for SAP Loading Point Configuration
- The tutorial explains that a loading point is a subdivision of a shipping point.
- The IMG path is shown as SPRO → SAP Reference IMG → Enterprise Structure → Definition → Logistics Execution → Maintain Loading Point.
- The steps clearly show that the shipping point must be entered first as the work area.
- The field explanation covers Loading Point, Responsibility, and Description.
- The article explains the difference between shipping point, loading point, and unloading point.
Maintain Loading Point in SAP SD FAQs
What is a loading point in SAP SD?
A loading point in SAP SD is a subdivision of a shipping point. It represents a specific loading area, dock, gate, or responsibility point where goods are loaded for dispatch.
Where do you maintain loading point in SAP?
You maintain loading point in SAP through SPRO → SAP Reference IMG → Enterprise Structure → Definition → Logistics Execution → Maintain Loading Point. The system asks for the shipping point before you create loading point entries.
Is loading point the same as shipping point in SAP?
No. A shipping point is the main organisational unit for shipping processing. A loading point is maintained under a shipping point to identify a more specific loading location or responsibility area.
Where is unloading point maintained in SAP?
Unloading point is generally related to the receiving side, such as customer or destination information. It is different from loading point configuration, which is maintained under a shipping point for outbound loading activities.
Why does SAP ask for shipping point before maintaining loading point?
SAP asks for the shipping point because loading points are maintained inside a selected shipping point. The shipping point acts as the work area, and the loading point entries are created for that specific shipping point.