Batch Determination Process

 Batches are defined within different processes, depending on the module being used. For SAP SD, they are defined for sale orders, quotations, agreements, and deliveries.

A search procedure is assigned to a business transaction (be it IM, SD, WM, PP). Depending on the business transaction, the search procedure provides different strategy types.

A batch search strategy is linked to each strategy type. The selection class must contain at least one of the batch’s characteristic.

The batch determination either can be done automatically by the system, or manually by the user.

Following steps take place in succession:

·         Find search procedure for the business transaction

·         Searches strategy types listed in the search procedure for a search strategy:

o   The first valid search strategy is used

·         Characteristics from the selection class of the search strategy are used to find batches with suitable specifications

·         Check if the batches are available

·         Sord batches according to sorting rule

·         The proposes a selected quantity

·         If each search strategy contains the information, system proposes to run batch determination online

Steps for “Processing Batch Determination”.

·         Define the characteristics with T-code CT04 to qualify for the batch search criteria

·         Define the class with T-code CL02 for batch selection

§  Enter release class: 023

§  Assign characteristics defined for batch selection to class

§  Extend material master to this class for required material

·         Define search strategy with the T-code MBC1

§  Selecting required key combination (e.g. Plant/Material)

§  Enter the values for selected fields of key combination

·         Define the sort sequence for batch selection

·         Enter Goods Issue of material (e.g. to cost center) with transaction code MIGO

·         Batch is selected automatically with batch determination procedure

·         Post the GR document

Picking of Goods

"Picking" in SAP. Before goods are actually shipped to a customer, it is necessary to prepare the correct quantity and quality of goods as specified in the sales order. Picking in SAP sales and distribution can be defined as 

Picking refers to preparing the right quantity and quality of goods for shipping on schedule as required by the customer. 

Once picking is configured, SAP Sd automatically generates picking lists and picking labels which can be tagged to the relevant goods. SAP can be configured to ensure that picked quantity is confirmed before goods are issued. This can be done using transaction code VSTK. In T-code VSTK, picking confirmations can be set, which ensure that goods picked for delivery are in accordance with picking slips. Picking thus helps in monitoring each item using the picking status. Picking is normally done in SAP SD by a shipping clerk. But, picking can be done in the following three ways in SAP. 

- SAP SD can be configured to execute picking automatically. 

- Picking can be scheduled to run at pre-defined intervals. 

- Picking can be triggered manually by an shipping clerk.

SAP SD Customer Groups

SAP's Sales and Distribution module is quite comprehensive and contains various features for analysis. One such feature within SAP SD is the creation of Customer Groups. Simply speaking, customer groups are part of the customer master data in SAP IMG. Customers are assigned to a particular customer group by assigning a two digit alphanumeric key. Such customer group key needs to be assigned to each and every customer master records. The main benefit of customer groups is that it can be used in generating statistics and ceating condition records such as records for pricing. 

One example which I can give is suppose you create two sets of customer groups, say Customer group A1 for domestic sales and Customer group A2 for international sales. You can choose to give discount to customer group A1 which arecustomers in the domestic market by creating a pricing condition for group A1. Customer groups can be created in SAP SD usign the following menu path: 

IMG >> Sales & Distribution >> Master Data >> Business Partners >> Customers >> Sales >> Define Customer Groups 

Alternatively, one can use the transaction code OVS9. One needs to simply define a two digit alphanumeric customer group key. Once defined, the same can be assigned to a customer master record using the transaction code VD02. Such custoomer master key can be made mandatory for all customer master records