Delivery
The delivery document in SD manages the outbound movement of goods to the customer, picking, packing and goods issue, bridging the sales order and billing. It is created (e.g. VL01N) from the sales order.
The delivery integrates SD with inventory (MM stock reduction at goods issue), finance (COGS posting), and warehouse (WM/EWM picking).
- The outbound delivery represents the fulfilment step: it triggers warehouse activities (picking and packing) and, on goods issue…
- Delivery creation from the order (due for delivery).
- Picking (with WM/EWM for detailed warehouses).
- Watch out: Goods issue not posted, sale not completed operationally/financially.
What the delivery does
The outbound delivery represents the fulfilment step: it triggers warehouse activities (picking and packing) and, on goods issue, reduces inventory (MM) and posts cost of goods sold (FI). It is the operational link between agreeing to sell (order) and invoicing (billing).
Key steps
- Delivery creation from the order (due for delivery).
- Picking (with WM/EWM for detailed warehouses).
- Packing (handling units).
- Goods issue: stock reduction + COGS posting.
Integration
The delivery integrates SD with inventory (MM stock reduction at goods issue), finance (COGS posting), and warehouse (WM/EWM picking). Goods issue is the pivotal posting, it is when the sale physically and financially leaves the company. Delivery blocks and incomplete deliveries are common things to manage.
Common pitfalls
- Goods issue not posted, sale not completed operationally/financially.
- Picking/WM issues stalling delivery.
- Delivery blocks unresolved.