Schedule agreements play a key role in the procurement process of any organization. In SAP MM, the schedule agreement is a purchasing agreement that defines the delivery schedule and the terms of payment between a vendor and a company. In this article, we will take a look at what schedule agreements are, how they work, and the benefits they offer.
What is a Schedule Agreement?
A schedule agreement is a purchasing agreement between a vendor and a company that defines the terms of delivery and payment. It is a legal document that outlines the scheduled delivery dates, the quantity to be delivered, and the pricing agreed upon between the buyer and the seller. Schedule agreements are used for both stock materials and non-stock materials.
How Schedule Agreements Work in SAP MM
In SAP MM, schedule agreements are created through the SAP system using transaction code ME31L. The transaction code is used to create, change or display the schedule agreement. Once the schedule agreement is created, it can be released to the vendor by the buyer. The vendor confirms the delivery dates and quantities and sends the delivery notes to the buyer. The buyer then acknowledges the delivery and processes the payment according to the terms of the agreement.
Benefits of Schedule Agreements
Schedule agreements provide several benefits to both the buyer and the seller. The buyer gains greater control over the delivery schedule, which ensures that they receive their goods on time and helps to improve their supply chain management. The vendor can also benefit from schedule agreements by being able to plan their production more effectively and schedule their resources accordingly. This leads to better resource utilization and increased efficiency.
In summary, schedule agreements in SAP MM are an important part of the procurement process. They provide a framework for the buyer and the seller to work together, ensuring that delivery schedules are met, and payments are made on time. With the benefits that schedule agreements offer to both parties, they are an essential tool for any organization that wants to improve its procurement process.