Common Distribution Channel and Division in SAP

What Are Common Distribution Channels and Divisions in SAP?

In SAP, the concept of common distribution channels and divisions allows businesses to optimize data maintenance and streamline operations. Instead of duplicating customer and material master data across various sales areas, you can share it across multiple distribution channels and divisions. This is especially useful when product ranges and customer details are consistent across channels like telesales, retail, wholesale, and industry. By consolidating data, you minimize redundancy and improve efficiency.

Why Use Common Distribution Channel and Division Configuration?

  • Reduces data duplication
  • Streamlines customer and material master maintenance
  • Optimizes pricing and condition record setup
  • Improves data consistency across the organization

How to Configure Common Distribution Channel and Division in SAP

To set up shared master and condition data across different sales areas, follow these simple steps in the SAP IMG (Implementation Guide).

Step-by-Step Configuration Path

  1. Define Common Distribution Channels

  2. Path: IMG → Sales and Distribution → Master Data → Define Common Distribution Channels
  3. Define Common Divisions

  4. Path: IMG → Sales and Distribution → Master Data → Define Common Divisions
  5. Transaction Code

  6. Use transaction code: VOR1

How Master and Condition Data Sharing Works

Once you’ve defined your common distribution channels and divisions, you can share master data like customer and material records across multiple sales areas. Here’s how it typically works:

Master Data Sharing

Example: Suppose you have four sales channels – retail, telesales, wholesale, and industry. The customer and product information remains the same across all four. Instead of maintaining data separately in each channel, create master records (customer/material) in one – say, retail. Then assign the other distribution channels (telesales, wholesale, industry) to the retail channel using the configuration. Important: Data creation or modification is only possible in the reference channel (e.g., retail). Attempting to do so in a non-referenced channel (e.g., telesales) will generate an error:
“Sales area is not defined...”

Condition Data Sharing

Conditions such as pricing, discounts, and taxes can also be shared. This is particularly effective when condition records use keys that include distribution channels or divisions. You only need to maintain the condition in the reference sales area.

Best Practices for Using Common Distribution Channel and Division

Do’s Don'ts
Define your reference channel carefully Modify data in non-referenced channels
Use VOR1 for setup efficiency Duplicate condition records
Test configurations in a sandbox environment Ignore key-based dependencies in conditions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of VOR1 in SAP?

VOR1 is the transaction code used to define common distribution channels and divisions in SAP. It helps in data sharing between multiple sales areas.

2. Can I change data in a non-referenced distribution channel?

No, changes can only be made in the referenced distribution channel. Attempting to do so in a non-referenced one will result in an error.

3. Do condition records automatically share across channels?

Only if the conditions use distribution channel/division as part of their key. Otherwise, they must be created separately.

4. Is it necessary to create separate views for each distribution channel?

No. If product and customer data are consistent, a single view in one channel (e.g., retail) suffices.

5. What happens if you try to access non-referenced data?

SAP will return an error message like: “Sales area is not defined...”

6. Can you share both master and condition data simultaneously?

Yes, SAP allows sharing both master data and condition records if configured properly.

Conclusion

Configuring Common Distribution Channel and Division in SAP is a smart way to simplify master and condition data management across multiple sales areas. With transaction code VOR1, you can streamline your SAP environment and reduce redundant data entry while ensuring consistency across all your channels. 

Back to :-
SAP SD (Sales and Distribution) Configuration Hints and Tips

Return to :-
SAP ABAP/4 Programming, Basis Administration, Configuration Hints and Tips

(c) www.gotothings.com All material on this site is Copyright.
Every effort is made to ensure the content integrity.  Information used on this site is at your own risk.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.  The site www.gotothings.com is in no way affiliated with SAP AG.
Any unauthorised copying or mirroring is prohibited.