The Delivery Date in the schedule line category of a sales order in SAP is determined through a combination of backward scheduling, lead time calculations, and availability checks. Let us learn about how Delivery date is determined in Schedule line category and the system calculates it.

How Delivery date is determined step by step guide?

  1. Backward Scheduling:
    • The system starts with the Requested Delivery Date (RDD) entered in the sales order.
    • It calculates backward, considering the lead times and processing times, to determine the Material Availability Date (MAD) and other related dates.
  1. Key Inputs for Delivery Date Calculation:
    • Requested Delivery Date (RDD): Date requested by the customer for delivery.
    • Transportation Lead Time (TTransL): Time required for transporting the goods.
    • Loading Time (TLoad): Time needed to load the goods for shipment.
    • Picking/Handling Time (TPick): Time required to pick and pack the goods for delivery.
    • Material Availability Date (MAD): Date when the material must be available in stock for processing.
  2. Calculation Process:
    • The system calculates the Material Availability Date first: Material Availability Date (MAD)=Requested Delivery Date (RDD)−(Transportation Time+Loading Time+Picking Time)\text{Material Availability Date (MAD)} = \text{Requested Delivery Date (RDD)} – (\text{Transportation Time} + \text{Loading Time} + \text{Picking Time})
    • Once the MAD is determined, SAP verifies stock availability using the ATP check (Available-to-Promise):
      • If sufficient stock is available, the delivery date matches the RDD.
      • If stock is unavailable, SAP calculates a new delivery date based on replenishment lead times.
  3. Forward Scheduling (If Backward Scheduling Fails):
    • If the calculated dates using backward scheduling are not feasible (e.g., due to insufficient stock or lead time constraints), the system uses forward scheduling to propose a new delivery date.
    • In forward scheduling, the earliest possible delivery date is calculated based on the time required to procure or produce the material.
  4. Consideration of the Factory Calendar:
    • The factory calendar of the shipping point or plant is used to account for non-working days (e.g., weekends, holidays).
    • If the calculated delivery date falls on a non-working day, SAP adjusts it to the next available working day.

To check the factory calendar assigned to Plant, go to OX10 as shown below

Now use the transaction SCAL to check the factory calendar

check the factory calendar

Key Parameters Influencing Delivery Date in Schedule Line Category

  1. Shipping Point Determination:
    • The system determines the shipping point based on the material, plant, and customer location.
  2. Schedule Line Category Settings:
    • The configuration of the schedule line category controls whether an availability check and transfer of requirements are performed. If these are active:
      • Availability checks ensure enough stock exists on the material availability date.
      • Transfer of requirements passes the material demand to MRP (Material Requirements Planning).
  3. Route Determination:
    • Route determination plays a key role in calculating transportation time, which is factored into backward scheduling.
  1. Delivery Scheduling in Customizing:
    • Delivery scheduling is configured under:
      • IMG → Sales and Distribution → Basic Functions → Delivery Scheduling and Transportation Scheduling.

Example Scenario

Scenario: A customer places an order on January 1 with a Requested Delivery Date of January 10. The following lead times apply:

  • Transportation Time: 3 days
  • Loading Time: 1 day
  • Picking Time: 1 days

Calculation:

  1. Material Availability Date (MAD): MAD=January 10−(3+1+2)=January 4\text{MAD} = \text{January 10} – (3 + 1 + 2) = \text{January 4}
  2. Stock Availability Check (ATP):
    • If stock is available on January 4, the delivery date will be January 10.
    • If stock is unavailable, SAP calculates the replenishment time and proposes a new delivery date based on the earliest stock availability.

Where to View the Delivery Date in SAP?

  1. Sales Order (VA01/VA02):
    • Navigate to the Schedule Lines Tab to view the delivery date for each line item.
  2. Stock/Requirements List (MD04):
    • Verify stock and replenishment details impacting the delivery date.
  3. ATP Check (CO09):
    • Analyze the confirmed delivery dates and stock status.
  4. Delivery Document (VL01N/VL02N):
    • Check the delivery creation date in the delivery document.

Customizing the Schedule Line Category for Delivery Date Determination

The schedule line category settings determine whether:

  • Delivery scheduling is performed.
  • The system checks material availability.
  • Transfer of requirements to MRP is active.

These settings can be found in: IMG → Sales and Distribution → Sales → Sales Documents → Schedule Lines → Define Schedule Line Categories.

By combining backward and forward scheduling with an ATP check, SAP ensures realistic delivery dates that align with customer expectations and logistical constraints.