Mastering Incompletion Procedure in SAP SD

In the world of SAP SD, precision isn’t just appreciated—it’s mandatory. Miss one critical field in a sales document and you might find your entire downstream process stalled. That’s exactly why SAP’s Incompletion Procedure is such a lifesaver. Whether you’re setting up sales orders, deliveries, or partner functions, this feature ensures that essential data isn’t skipped. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process like you’re discussing it over coffee with a knowledgeable friend—no jargon overload, just practical know-how.

What Is Incompletion Procedure in SAP SD?

An Incompletion Procedure is a validation system in SAP SD that prevents users from moving forward with documents that lack required data. It's your safeguard against incomplete transactions disrupting business processes like delivery creation or billing. Think of it as a customizable checklist. You define which fields are mandatory. If any of them are left empty, SAP flags the document as incomplete and blocks specific follow-up actions until the missing data is filled in.

Real-World Example:

Let’s say your company mandates the “Ship-To Party” field in every sales order. If a user forgets to input this, SAP will raise a red flag and prevent the delivery from being created. It ensures no delivery goes out with missing customer data.

Where Can You Apply Incompletion Procedures?

SAP offers flexibility in applying these procedures at various levels, depending on your process design.

Sales Documents:

Sales Document Header
Sales Document Item Category
Schedule Line Category

Delivery Documents:

Delivery Document Header
Delivery Document Item Category

Additional Areas:

Sales Activities
Partner Functions This wide coverage ensures data integrity from order creation to delivery and beyond.

Step 1: Create a Status Group (T-Code: OVA0)

First things first—define the area that will be impacted if a required field is missing.

What Is a Status Group?

A status group determines what the system should block if a document is incomplete. It could be blocking delivery creation, billing, printing, or other activities.

How to Create:

1. Go to T-Code OVA0.
2. Create a new Status Group (or modify an existing one).
3. Define which follow-up processes are blocked when a field is left incomplete. Example: If the “Shipping Condition” field is missing in a sales order, and you’ve configured your status group to block delivery, SAP will stop the process until the field is filled.

Step 2: Define the Incompletion Procedure (T-Code: OVA2)

This step is where you define which fields are required for each document type.

How to Do It:

1. Go to T-Code OVA2.
2. Select the relevant document type (e.g., OR – Standard Order).
3. Click on “Fields.”
4. Add the required fields using table name and field name (e.g., VBKD-PRSDT for Pricing Date).
5. Use F4 in the “Screen” column to select the appropriate tab (e.g., Sales: Header – Sales).
6. Set the message type (Error, Warning, Info) for when the field is left blank. Important Tip: Only include fields that are truly critical. Overloading with unnecessary fields can frustrate users and slow down processes.

Step 3: Assign Incompletion Procedure to Document (T-Codes: VUA2, OVAG, OVAH, etc.)

Once you've defined the rules, you need to apply them.

Assign Based on Document Type:

Sales Document Header → T-Code VUA2
Delivery Header → T-Code OVAG
Item Category → T-Code OVAH
Schedule Line Category → T-Code OVZ2
Partner Function → T-Code OVA3

Example:

To assign Incompletion Procedure 11 to a Sales Order type (like OR):

1. Go to VUA2.
2. Choose the document type (e.g., OR).
3. Assign Procedure 11. That’s it! Now SAP knows which checks to run before allowing the document to move forward.

How to Identify Screen Name in Incompletion Procedure

This can be tricky at first, but here's a straightforward method.

Example: You Want to Control the “Pricing Date” at Sales Order Header

1. Determine where the field is stored: Table = VBKD, Field = PRSDT.
2. Open OVA2 and go to “Fields” under your document procedure.
3. Enter the table/field info.
4. In the “Screen” field, press F4.
5. You’ll see a list of screen names. For this case, choose “Sales: Header – Sales”. And that’s how SAP knows where to check for that field.

Customizing Message Types

You can define how SAP alerts users when a field is missing.

Options Include:

Warning (user can proceed)
Error (user must correct before proceeding)
Info (just a heads-up) Set this in the "Message Type" field while defining fields in OVA2.

Tip: For mission-critical fields like “Sold-To Party,” go with Error. For less critical info like “Sales Notes,” a Warning might suffice.

Best Practices for Incompletion Procedure

Balance Control with Usability: Don’t block users unnecessarily. Focus on fields that directly impact processes.
Test Extensively: After configuring, run full document cycles to ensure everything works as expected.
Document Field Logic: Keep track of why each field was included. It helps with audits and training new users.
Use Descriptive Screen Names: Don’t guess. Use F4 to select the exact screen/tab the field lives on.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcomplicating the Procedure: Keep it simple. Only include what’s essential.
2. Not Assigning Procedures Correctly: Defining is one thing—assigning is another. Don’t skip Step 3.
3. Wrong Table/Field References: Always double-check your field source using technical help (F1 > Technical Info).
4. Generic Error Messages: Be specific so users know exactly what to fix.

Advanced Tips for SAP SD Experts

Use custom fields (via user exits) in your Incompletion Procedure if your business logic demands it.
Align procedures with Sales Order Types for region-specific or customer-specific needs.
Integrate with Workflow or Output Determination for automated escalations on incomplete documents.

Troubleshooting Incompletion Log Issues

If You Don’t See the Incompletion Log:

Check if the procedure is assigned to the document type.
Ensure the Status Group blocks the action you’re testing.
Re-check your field-table-screen configuration.

If It Shows Up But Doesn’t Work:

Confirm message type isn’t just Info.
Test the specific document type with the exact data missing.

Conclusion

The Incompletion Procedure in SAP SD is more than just a technical setup—it’s a frontline quality control mechanism. Whether you're a consultant configuring a rollout or a power user in the trenches of sales ops, mastering this procedure can significantly reduce data issues and workflow hiccups. When done right, it doesn’t just block errors—it prevents problems before they occur.

FAQs

1. What is the main purpose of the Incompletion Procedure in SAP SD?
To ensure that critical fields are filled out before allowing a sales or delivery document to move to the next stage.

2. Can I apply different procedures to different document types?
Yes, you can define and assign different procedures based on document types, item categories, or even partner functions.

3. What if I need to validate a custom field?
You can use user exits or enhancements to include custom fields in your Incompletion Procedure logic.

4. Is it mandatory to block follow-up actions for all missing fields?
No. You can choose to show a warning or info message instead of an error, depending on business needs.

5. Can I simulate an incomplete document without changing master data?
Yes. You can manually remove required field values in a test environment and check how SAP reacts based on your configuration.

Goto:
SAP SD Pricing

Goto:
Billing / Shipping

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.