The SAP Sales and Distribution (SD) module is a crucial component of SAP's ERP system, designed to manage sales and distribution processes within companies. It covers a wide range of tasks, from order taking to invoicing and delivery. Tightly integrated with other SAP modules such as SAP MM (Materials Management) and SAP PP (Production Planning), SAP SD enables smooth and efficient management of business operations.
The module's main functions include :
Sales management (order taking, contracts and offers, inventory management)
Shipping management (planning, order preparation, delivery and follow-up)
Invoicing (invoice creation, credit and debit management, integration with accounting)
You can also find a list of other SAP modules here.
The SAP-SD-MD (Sales and Distribution - Master Data) sub-module focuses on the management of sales and distribution master data. It is essential for centralizing and standardizing critical information used in various SAP processes and modules. By ensuring data consistency across the enterprise, it reduces errors, increases efficiency and improves information quality. These are the main features:
Customer management :
• Create and manage customer files (general, sales and company data)
• Address maintenance, payment terms, delivery terms, business partners
Materials management :
• Creation and management of item files (master data, sales data, storage data)
• Maintenance of product descriptions, classifications, material groups
Packaging data :
• Manage pricing conditions, discounts, surcharges, taxes and rebates
• Definition of specific pricing agreements for customers or customer groups
Customer information :
• Management of customer-specific information (delivery agreements, invoicing conditions)
• Creation and management of customer contracts and open orders
Output data :
• Configuring output messages for sales documents
• Management of communication formats and media for sending documents
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The SAP-SD-SLS (Sales and Distribution - Sales) sub-module is specifically designed to manage sales processes, from quotation creation to sales order management and invoicing. It supports core sales activities, ensuring smooth, integrated management of the sales cycle, enhancing customer satisfaction and sales process efficiency. Key features include
Quotation management :
• Creation and management of quotations for customers
• Monitoring the validity of quotations and sales proposals
Customer order management :
• Creation and processing of customer orders
• Management of different types of orders, control of product availability and stock allocation
Contract processing :
• Creation and management of sales contracts
• Monitoring contractual commitments and open orders
Delivery management :
• Delivery planning and processing, shipment and transport tracking
• Management of delivery notes and transport documents
Billing :
• Creation and management of customer invoices
• Integration with accounting modules for payment tracking, credit and debit note management
Returns management :
• Handling product returns and customer complaints
• Management of return slips and stock adjustments
Price conditions and discounts :
• Definition and management of pricing conditions, discounts and surcharges
• Automatic application of sales conditions when creating sales documents
Reports and analyses :
• Generate reports on sales, sales performance and trends
• Sales data analysis for strategic decision-making
The SAP-SD-BIL (Sales and Distribution - Billing) sub-module manages sales invoicing processes, from the creation of invoicing documents to their integration with financial modules. It ensures accurate and efficient billing management, guaranteeing that invoices are generated correctly and in accordance with defined sales conditions. Key features include
Creating billing documents :
• Automatic invoice generation from deliveries and customer orders
• Manage different types of invoices, including standard invoices, service invoices and credit/debit notes
Billing cycle management :
• Configure billing cycles to automate invoice creation at regular intervals
• Manage periodic invoices for recurring contracts and services
Integration with financial accounting :
• Interface with FI (Financial Accounting) module for automatic accounts receivable updates
• Management of accounting entries and revenue recognition
Billing terms :
• Automatic application of price conditions, discounts and surcharges defined in sales documents
• Management of local and international taxes and tax regulations
Collective billing :
• Consolidate multiple deliveries or orders into a single invoice
• Optimized invoice management for customers with multiple transactions
Billing control :
• Data verification before invoice creation to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Management of billing discrepancies and necessary adjustments
Reports and analyses :
• Generate detailed billing reports to track sales performance and revenues
• Analysis of billing trends and customer behavior
Returns and cancellations :
• Processing product returns and associated credit notes
• Management of invoice cancellations and necessary adjustments
The SAP-SD-SHP (Sales and Distribution - Shipping) sub-module is dedicated to managing the processes involved in delivering and shipping products to customers. It covers the entire logistics cycle from order preparation to final product delivery, enabling efficient management of sales-related logistics processes. Key features include
Creating and managing deliveries :
• Automatic creation of delivery documents from customer orders
• Management of the various delivery stages, including preparation, picking, packing and dispatch
Transport document management :
• Generation and management of transport documents required for shipping goods
• Integration with carriers and logistics service providers for shipment management
Shipment planning :
• Planning delivery dates and routes
• Optimize loads and transport resources to reduce costs and improve efficiency
Tracking and tracing deliveries :
• Real-time tracking of shipments and deliveries
• Management of tracking information for customers and logistics partners
Inventory management :
• Automatic stock updates during order preparation and dispatch
• Management of reservations and stock allocations for customer orders
Returns and complaints management :
• Processing product returns and managing logistics returns
• Management of customer complaints related to deliveries and damaged products
Delivery invoicing :
• Integration with the SAP-SD-BIL sub-module for delivery invoicing
• Manage credit and debit notes for shipments
Reports and analyses :
• Generate reports on delivery performance, shipping times and logistics costs
• Logistics data analysis for continuous improvement of shipping processes
The SAP-SD-TBA (Sales and Distribution - Transportation) sub-module focuses on the management of transportation processes related to product sales and distribution. It covers all transportation activities required to ensure the delivery of products from the warehouse to the end customer. Key features include
Transport planning :
• Route and timetable planning
• Route optimization to cut costs and improve efficiency
Carrier selection :
• Management of contracts and agreements with carriers
• Carrier selection based on cost, availability and performance
Transport order management :
• Creation and management of transport orders for each delivery
• Tracking transport orders and managing changes
Calculating transport costs :
• Estimation and calculation of transport costs for each delivery
• Management of freight rates and surcharges
Delivery tracking :
• Real-time tracking of shipments and deliveries
• Integration with carrier tracking systems for real-time updates
Transport document management :
• Creation and management of documents required for transport, such as consignment notes, delivery notes and manifests
• Management of customs documents for international shipments.
Integration with warehouse management modules :
• Integration with SAP WM (Warehouse Management) for consistent inventory and shipping management.
• Coordination between storage and transport activities.
Reports and analyses :
• Generate reports on carrier performance, transport costs and delivery times.
• Analysis of transport data for continuous improvement of logistics processes.
The SAP-SD-CAS (Sales and Distribution - Sales Support) sub-module is designed to support sales and marketing activities, facilitating customer relationship management, sales opportunity management, and the coordination of sales and marketing actions. It enhances the efficiency of sales and marketing teams by centralizing information on customers, prospects and sales opportunities. Key features include
Contact and customer management :
• Creation and management of customer and contact files.
• Follow-up on interactions with customers and prospects.
Sales opportunity management :
• Identification and follow-up of sales opportunities from identification to conclusion.
• Management of sales cycle stages and follow-up actions.
Marketing campaign management :
• Planning, execution and follow-up of marketing campaigns.
• Analysis of campaign performance and response rates.
Sales activity management :
• Planning and follow-up of sales activities such as calls, meetings and presentations.
• Coordination of sales activities with other company departments.
Support for quotation and order management :
• Creation and management of quotations for customers.
• Follow-up of quotations and conversion into sales orders.
CRM integration :
• Integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems for a complete view of customer interactions.
• Data synchronization between CRM and SAP SD for consistent management of customer information.
Reports and analyses :
• Generate reports on sales performance, sales opportunities and marketing activities.
• Analysis of sales data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
The SAP-SD-FTT (Sales and Distribution - Foreign Trade) sub-module manages aspects of international trade and associated regulations, facilitating cross-border transactions and ensuring compliance with foreign trade laws. This sub-module is crucial for companies operating internationally, as it enables efficient management of cross-border commercial transactions, while ensuring compliance with international trade regulations. Key features include :
Managing foreign trade documents :
• Create and manage export and import documents, such as commercial invoices, customs declarations and certificates of origin.
• Automated generation of documents required for international transactions.
Regulatory compliance :
• Ensure compliance with local and international trade regulations.
• Management of export and import licenses, quotas and restrictions.
Product classification :
• Product classification according to HS (Harmonized System) codes and customs nomenclatures.
• Management of product descriptions and tariff classifications.
Customs declaration management :
• Preparation and submission of customs declarations for import and export shipments.
• Integration with customs authorities' systems for declaration tracking.
Calculating duties and taxes :
• Automatic calculation of customs duties, import taxes and other associated costs.
• Management of duty exemptions and reductions.
Tracking international shipments :
• Real-time tracking of international shipments and delivery status.
• Management of follow-up information for customers and business partners.
Reports and analyses :
• Generate reports on foreign trade activities, associated costs and international shipment performance.
• Analysis of international trade data for process optimization and strategic decision-making.
Whether you're a company looking to optimize your sales and distribution processes, or a specialist SAP consultant, FocusTribes is here to help. We support companies in implementing and managing SAP SD sub-modules for efficient, integrated sales, distribution and billing management. In addition, we help SAP consultants find assignments that match their skills.
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