How to Configure Partner Determination in SAP IMG

Partner determination is a key configuration element within SAP's Sales and Distribution (SD) module. It enables the system to identify and assign the correct business partners (e.g., sold-to party, ship-to party) in business transactions. 

Step-by-Step Configuration for Partner Determination in SAP IMG

Step 1: Define an Account Group and Assign Number Range

Transaction Code:
  • OBD2 – Define Account Group
  • OBAR – Assign Number Range
Begin by creating or selecting the relevant customer account group using transaction code OBD2. Then, assign an appropriate number range using OBAR.

Path in IMG:
SPRO → Sales and Distribution → Basic Functions → Partner Determination → Setup Partner Determination → Setup Partner Determination for Customer Master

Step 2: Define Partner Functions

In this phase, no new partner functions need to be created unless absolutely required.
  • Navigate to “Partner Functions.”
  • If you check the "Unique" field, it means that this function can only appear once in the customer master record.
This is useful when you want to ensure a single instance of a partner role (e.g., only one "Payer" per customer).

Step 3: Assign Partner Functions to Account Group

Go to the Account Group’s Function Assignment section.
  • Click on “New Entries.”
  • Assign the relevant partner functions to your selected account group.
  • Save your changes.
This ensures that only the necessary partner functions are linked to the defined account group.

Step 4: Define Partner Determination Procedure

Navigate to Partner Determination Procedures.
  • Click on “New Entries.”
  • Create a new procedure name.
  • Add a meaningful description.
  • Save the procedure.
This procedure will later hold all relevant partner functions required during business transactions.

Step 5: Assign Partner Functions to the Procedure

Select your newly created partner determination procedure and go to Partner Functions in Procedure.
  • Use “New Entries” to include the required partner functions.
Important Fields:
  • Not Modifiable: Prevents the partner function from being changed in the customer master.
  • Mandatory Function: Makes the partner function compulsory.
Configure these based on your business needs, then save the procedure.

Step 6: Assign Procedure to Account Group

Finally, assign the completed procedure to the customer account group in Partner Determination Procedure Assignment.
  • Select the relevant account group.
  • Link it to the partner determination procedure you created.
  • Save your configuration.

Conclusion

Your configuration for Partner Determination in SAP IMG is now complete. This setup ensures that the system accurately identifies and enforces the use of correct business partners in transactions. By following these structured steps, SAP users can efficiently manage and automate partner relationships, ensuring consistency across customer records.

FAQs About Partner Determination in SAP

1. What is the purpose of Partner Determination in SAP?
Partner determination allows SAP to assign specific business partners to various roles during transactions such as sales orders and billing.

2. Can a partner function be both unique and mandatory?
Yes, setting a partner function as both "Unique" and "Mandatory" ensures that only one entry is allowed and that it must be present in the customer master.

3. Is it possible to have different partner determination procedures for different account groups?
Absolutely. You can create multiple procedures tailored to specific account groups, depending on business requirements.

4. What happens if a mandatory partner function is not maintained?
The system will not allow the transaction to proceed until all mandatory partner functions are filled in the customer master.

5. Can partner functions be customized beyond standard SAP roles?
Yes, SAP allows you to create custom partner functions if the standard ones don’t meet your business needs.

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