Shipping Process and Delivery Scheduling in SAP SD

The shipping process in SAP SD (Sales and Distribution) ensures that goods are delivered to customers in a timely and efficient manner. Delivery scheduling is a critical part of this process, as it helps in planning the right time and date for the delivery of goods based on customer requirements and inventory availability. In this tutorial, we will walk through the steps involved in the shipping process and delivery scheduling in SAP SD, with real-world examples to demonstrate how it works.

What is the Shipping Process in SAP SD?

The shipping process in SAP SD involves several steps to ensure that the goods are shipped to customers accurately. These steps typically include:

  • Sales Order Creation: The process begins when a customer places an order, and the sales order is created in the SAP system.
  • Delivery Creation: Based on the sales order, a delivery document is created, specifying the items and quantities to be shipped.
  • Picking, Packing, and Goods Issue: The goods are picked from inventory, packed, and a goods issue is posted to update inventory and accounting records.
  • Shipping and Delivery Scheduling: The delivery is scheduled based on customer requirements and inventory availability.
  • Transportation Planning: The transportation method and route are planned based on delivery scheduling.
  • Goods Shipment: The goods are physically shipped to the customer, and the delivery document is completed.

What is Delivery Scheduling?

Delivery scheduling in SAP SD involves determining the optimal date and time for the delivery of goods to the customer. This process takes into account various factors such as:

  • Customer Requirements: The desired delivery date or time window as requested by the customer.
  • Availability of Goods: The availability of stock in the warehouse or any lead times required to procure items.
  • Transportation and Shipping Time: The time required for the shipment to reach the customer’s location.
  • Shipping Point and Route: The shipping point used to dispatch the goods and the route taken for delivery.

Steps for Delivery Scheduling and Shipping Process in SAP SD

Step 1: Create a Sales Order

The first step in the shipping process is the creation of a sales order. The sales order captures the customer’s request for goods and initiates the delivery process.

  1. Transaction Code: Use transaction code VA01 to create a new sales order.
  2. Enter Customer Information: Enter the customer’s details, such as customer number and order type (e.g., standard order).
  3. Enter Material and Quantity: Enter the materials (items) that the customer wants to order, along with the quantity.
  4. Enter Delivery Date: Enter the desired delivery date or a requested shipping date.
  5. Click "Enter" to save the sales order.

Step 2: Create a Delivery Document

After the sales order is created, the next step is to create a delivery document, which specifies the items to be shipped, the quantities, and other shipping details.

  1. Transaction Code: Use transaction code VL01N to create the delivery document from the sales order.
  2. Select Sales Order: Enter the sales order number (e.g., "SO1001") from which the delivery document will be created.
  3. Shipping Point: Enter the shipping point from which the goods will be dispatched (e.g., "10" for the main warehouse).
  4. Enter Delivery Date: Enter the planned delivery date (e.g., "2024-12-25").
  5. Click "Enter" to create the delivery document.

Step 3: Delivery Scheduling

Once the delivery document is created, the next step is to schedule the delivery, which involves calculating the delivery date based on inventory availability, transportation time, and customer requirements.

  1. Check Material Availability: The system will automatically check the material availability and provide a proposed delivery date based on stock levels and production lead times.
  2. Schedule Delivery: If the material is available, the system will assign a delivery date. If not, it will suggest a later date based on when the materials will be available.
  3. Customer Requirements: If the customer has a specific delivery request, you can adjust the delivery date accordingly. You can also use transaction code VL02N to manually change the delivery date if needed.
  4. Confirm Delivery Date: Once the delivery date is confirmed, the system will update the delivery document with the scheduled date.

Step 4: Plan and Execute Transportation

After scheduling the delivery, the next step is to plan transportation. This involves selecting the transportation method and route to ensure that the goods are delivered on time.

  1. Access Transportation Planning: Use the transaction code VT01N to plan the transportation for the delivery.
  2. Select Route and Carrier: Choose the appropriate route and carrier based on delivery location, shipping point, and transportation method (e.g., road, air).
  3. Schedule Transport: The system will calculate the best possible transport schedule based on the delivery date and transportation availability.
  4. Confirm Transport: Confirm the transport planning and ensure that the shipment is scheduled for dispatch.

Step 5: Picking, Packing, and Goods Issue

Once transportation is planned, the goods must be picked from inventory, packed, and the goods issue posted. This ensures that the physical goods are shipped and inventory is updated.

  1. Picking: Use transaction VL06O to initiate the picking process based on the delivery document.
  2. Packing: Pack the picked goods into the appropriate shipping containers (e.g., boxes, pallets). Use transaction VL02N to confirm packing information.
  3. Post Goods Issue: Once the goods are packed and ready for shipment, post the goods issue using transaction VL02N. This updates the inventory and triggers the shipping process.

Step 6: Shipping Execution

Once the goods issue is posted, the shipment is physically dispatched to the customer. The system will update all related records, including transportation details and financial transactions.

  1. Execute Shipping: The goods are physically loaded onto the carrier’s vehicle and dispatched to the customer.
  2. Delivery Confirmation: The shipping department confirms the delivery by sending the goods along with the delivery note or bill of lading to the customer.
  3. Update Delivery Document: The delivery document is updated to reflect the status of the shipment and completion of the shipping process.

Real-World Example of Shipping Process and Delivery Scheduling

Let’s consider a real-world example where a customer orders 20 laptops. The following steps show how the shipping process and delivery scheduling work:

  • Sales Order Creation: The customer places an order for 20 laptops, and a sales order (SO1001) is created in SAP.
  • Delivery Document: A delivery document is created from the sales order using VL01N with a proposed delivery date of "2024-12-25".
  • Delivery Scheduling: The system checks inventory and confirms that 10 laptops are available for immediate shipping, while the remaining 10 will be available after a week. The delivery date is updated to "2024-12-30" for the complete order.
  • Transportation Planning: The appropriate route and carrier are selected, and transport scheduling is confirmed.
  • Picking and Packing: The warehouse team picks 10 laptops from stock, packs them into two boxes, and posts the goods issue.
  • Shipping: The goods are shipped to the customer, and the delivery is confirmed. The delivery note is sent along with the goods.

Conclusion

The shipping process and delivery scheduling in SAP SD are critical for ensuring timely and accurate delivery of goods to customers. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, businesses can efficiently manage their shipping operations, meet customer expectations, and maintain optimal inventory levels. Proper planning, scheduling, and execution of these processes are key to successful order fulfillment.




Advertisement