SAP ABAP NetWeaver Tutorial

Application Area – MM

Overview

Process Return to Vendor is one scenario building block in SAP Best Practices Baseline Package (U.S.). Technical name is V3I (Return to Vendor).

The return to vendor process begins with a requirement to return an item to a vendor. The initial activity is to request a Returns Material Authorization (RMA) from the vendor. This is a manual step and the RMA number will be entered into a text field in the return PO. The Buyer will then create a Return PO in the system. The return PO is similar to a standard PO except for the return flag which sets up the return delivery to enable shipment of the item(s) back to the vendor.

The Return PO confirmation goes to the Vendor and the Return Delivery is sent to the Shipping department where the item(s) are picked and shipped back along with a Delivery Note. When the Shipping department creates the delivery the item(s) are relieved from inventory. A credit memo is generated which relieves the liability to the vendor.

Company roles involved in process flows: Buyer, Purchasing Manager, Warehouse Clerk and Accounts Payable.

Business Process Procedure

1. Create return purchase order

The return purchase order is exactly the same as standard purchase order except the return flag. Go to transaction ME21N and enter orgnization info, material, vendor and tick the return flag.

2. Review requirements

Reviewing stock requirements will help determine timing/urgency for allowing normal process to replenish returned items or whether a PO must be created immediately. Go to transaction MD04, the new created return PO is listed as an MRP element.

3. Create delivery document for Return PO

This step is executed by warehouse clerk and generate delivery note, transfer order for return PO. Go to transaction VL10B and choose create delivery in background. The delivery doc will be created automatically.

4. Picking Confirmation

If the storage location is managed by warehouse, an open transfer order is also created. You need to confirm transfer order before posting good issue. There are two methods to confirm transfer order. Go to transaction LT21 and choose Transfer Order -> Confirm -> Transfer Order. The other method is VL06. On the Delivery Monitor screen, select For Confirmation button. Choose confirm in the background.

The transfer order has been confirmed.

5. Post Goods Issue

Go to transaction VL02N, enter delivery number and press Enter key. On the next screen, choose Post Goods Issue button. After the good issue has been posted, the quantity of stock has been decreased. The return MRP element in step 2 is also removed in MD04.

6. Manual Review of Pending Credits

Go transaction ME2L, enter plant, purchasing organization and choose RECHNUNG for Selection parameters. A list of open invoices including a list of items where the invoiced quantity is less than zero (Credit return) is reviewed.

7. Create Credit Memo

Create a credit memo to vendor which relieves the liability to the vendor. Go to transaction MIRO and enter necessary information to create a credit memo. You can choose simualte button to check whether the error messages exist in the credit memo.