Set Up of the Partner Determination in SAP

What is Partner Determination in SAP?

Partner Determination in SAP is a critical configuration step within the Sales and Distribution (SD) module. It enables the system to automatically assign business partners—like sold-to, ship-to, bill-to, or payer—to documents such as sales orders, deliveries, and invoices. Proper configuration ensures accurate document processing, billing, and reporting.

Navigation Path for Partner Determination Configuration

To begin the setup, follow this SAP configuration path:
SPRO → IMG → Sales and Distribution → Basic Functions → Partner Determination → Set Up Partner Determination

Understanding the Partner Object - Sales Document (Header)

When configuring partner determination for the partner object 'Sales Document (Header)', you can define advanced attributes and logic for each partner function.

Source Settings in Partner Determination

These settings define where and how the system finds partner information:

1. Source Partner Function

This field lets you specify if a partner is derived directly from a partner entered in the sold-to party. Example: If you enter source "WE" (Ship-to Party) for the partner function "SP" (Sold-to Party), the system determines the forwarding agent from the ship-to party instead of the sold-to party.

2. Table of Origin

This defines which table the system should use to pull partner data.
 
Entry Table Used
Blank Customer Master Table
A Credit Representatives Table
B Customer Hierarchy Table

Note: If using "B" (hierarchy), the partner function must also be linked to a hierarchy type.

Sequence Field: Ranking Order Logic

The Sequence field controls the priority in which partner functions are determined:
  • Partner functions with ranking order 0 are processed first.
  • Followed by functions with order 1, 2, 3, and so on.
This sequencing is crucial in cases where multiple sources or rules exist for partner determination.

Partner Object & Assignment Key Relationships

Below is a summary showing how various keys relate to partner objects:
 
Partner Object Assignment Key
Customer Account Group
Sales Document Header Sales Document Type
Sales Document Item Item Category
Delivery Header Delivery Type
Shipment Header Shipment Type
Billing Document Header Billing Document Type
Billing Document Item Billing Document Type
Contract Contract Type

Step-by-Step Setup Process for Partner Determination in SAP

Here’s a concise workflow for setting up the partner determination process:

Step 1: Analyze SAP Standard Settings

Check if the default settings meet your organizational requirements before creating new procedures.

Step 2: Define Partner Determination Procedure

Set up custom partner determination procedures tailored to business needs.

Step 3: Assign Partner Procedures to Partner Object Keys

Link the created procedures to the appropriate keys of the partner object, such as sales document type or item category.

Assigning Partner Functions to Account Groups

In Financial Accounting (FI), account groups control how customer master records are managed. You can assign specific partner functions to these groups.

How to Do It:

Navigate to:
Logistics General → Business Partner → Customers → Control
Then select:
Account Groups → Assign Functions

Example Use Case:

You can assign the Ship-to Party function to an account group. But if the Sold-to Party is not allowed in that account group, customers assigned to it cannot be designated as sold-to parties in sales orders.

Final Notes on SAP Partner Determination Configuration

  • Always validate standard settings before customization.
  • Use correct partner function combinations for better data consistency.
  • Pay special attention to origin tables and source partners for accuracy in document processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of partner determination in SAP SD?

Partner determination automates the assignment of business partners in SD documents, ensuring accurate and efficient transaction processing.

2. Can we customize partner determination procedures?

Yes, you can define and assign custom procedures based on business requirements.

3. What are source partner functions used for?

They help determine partners indirectly, using relationships like sold-to or ship-to parties.

4. What does the table of origin control?

It specifies the SAP table used to fetch partner data, e.g., customer master or credit representative.

5. Can a partner function be restricted to specific account groups?

Yes, you can control which partner functions are allowed within specific account groups.

6. What happens if ranking order is not set properly?

Improper ranking may result in incorrect or incomplete partner determination in sales documents.

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