Setting Up Dunning for Overdue Payment Reminders in SAP FICO
Dunning is the process of sending reminders to customers for overdue payments. SAP FICO provides a structured method to automate this process. This guide explains how to set up dunning in SAP FICO step by step, with examples.
1. Configuration Steps
Before sending dunning reminders, the dunning procedure must be configured in the system. The configuration steps are as follows:
Step 1: Define Dunning Areas
Use transaction code FBMP to define dunning areas. Dunning areas help categorize reminders based on company codes or regions.
Example:
Dunning Area: US01 Description: North America Overdue Payments
Step 2: Define Dunning Procedures
Go to transaction code FBZP and select "Dunning Procedure." Define the following:
- Dunning Procedure: A unique identifier for the dunning process.
- Description: Name of the dunning procedure.
- Company Codes: Assign applicable company codes.
Example:
Dunning Procedure: DP01 Description: Overdue Payment Reminders Company Codes: 1000
Step 3: Configure Dunning Levels
In the dunning procedure, define levels that escalate reminders for overdue payments. For each level, specify:
- Days in Arrears: Number of days overdue.
- Charges: Add dunning charges if applicable.
- Interest: Apply interest on overdue amounts if needed.
Example:
Level 1: 7 Days Overdue, No Charges Level 2: 14 Days Overdue, $10 Charge Level 3: 30 Days Overdue, $25 Charge + Interest
Step 4: Assign Dunning Texts
Define the content of dunning letters for each level using transaction code SO10. Assign these texts to the respective dunning levels.
Example:
Level 1 Text: Friendly Reminder for Payment Level 2 Text: Follow-up Reminder with Charges Level 3 Text: Final Warning with Legal Notice
Step 5: Assign Customers to the Dunning Procedure
In the customer master data, assign the dunning procedure and dunning area. Use transaction code XD02 for updates.
Example:
Customer: 500001 Dunning Procedure: DP01 Dunning Area: US01
2. Executing the Dunning Process
Once the configuration is complete, execute the dunning process to send reminders.
Step 1: Access the Dunning Program
Use transaction code F150 to open the dunning program.
Step 2: Enter Selection Parameters
Provide the following details:
- Company Code: Select the applicable company code.
- Dunning Procedure: Choose the configured procedure.
- Key Date: Date for the dunning run (typically the current date).
Example:
Company Code: 1000 Dunning Procedure: DP01 Key Date: 25/11/2024
Step 3: Schedule the Dunning Run
Click on Schedule to run the dunning process. The system will identify overdue accounts based on the criteria defined.
Example:
Accounts Selected: 15 Total Overdue Amount: $50,000
Step 4: Review the Dunning Proposal
Review the dunning proposal to ensure the correct customers and amounts are included. Adjust if necessary.
Step 5: Print or Send Dunning Notices
Once approved, print or email the dunning notices to customers. Use the generated output for distribution.
Example Output:
Customer: 500001 Level: 2 Amount Overdue: $5,000 Notice: Follow-up Reminder with Charges
3. Monitoring and Reporting
To track dunning activities, use standard SAP reports such as:
- FBL5N: Customer Line Item Display
- S_ALR_87012168: Due Date Analysis
Example:
Report: FBL5N Filter: Dunning Level = 2 Result: List of all customers with second-level dunning
4. Conclusion
Dunning in SAP FICO is an essential tool for maintaining healthy cash flow and ensuring timely payments. By setting up and executing the dunning process, businesses can systematically remind customers about overdue payments and minimize financial risks.