SAP Goods Receipt
SAP Goods Receipt is a central component of logistics processes in SAP – particularly in conjunction with purchasing, delivery, warehousing, and quality assurance.
As the link between procurement and warehouse management, goods receipt determines the quality, inventory and availability of materials. In modern ERP systems such as SAP S/4HANA, this process is made particularly efficient through integrated workflows and real-time data.
What is SAP Goods Receipt?
SAP goods receipt is the process by which ordered goods are physically delivered to a company's warehouse and then posted in the SAP system. This typically takes place on the basis of a purchase order (BANF, order number) and is documented by posting a material document.
Important: The term goods receipt describes the system-side posting of the delivery. The delivery itself (e.g. a lorry arriving at the ramp) is an upstream logistical step and does not yet constitute a systemic change in inventory. Only when the goods receipt is posted do the goods flow into the warehouse inventory.
How does goods receipt work in SAP?
- Delivery: Physical arrival of the delivery at the factory or warehouse.
- Goods receipt: Unloading and initial inspection by warehouse staff.
- Check against order: Check quantity, item number and delivery note, if applicable.
- Posting of goods receipt (MIGO transaction): Systemic entry: Creation of a material document.
- Quality inspection (optional): Automatic transfer to the quality inspection warehouse, if configured.
- Storage: Posting to a storage location, transfer to warehouse management.
SAP goods receipt transactions in MATDOC tables
With SAP S/4HANA, postings are no longer made using the classic MKPF and MSEG tables, but centrally in the MATDOC table.
Which transactions and Fiori apps are used in ERP?
| Transaction / App | Purpose |
| MIGO | Post goods receipt |
| MB03 | Display material document |
| MB51 | Display document overview |
| MB1C | Create inventory manually |
| Fiori-App: Post Goods Receipt for Purchase Order | Post goods receipt in a modern interface |
| Fiori-App: Display Material Document | Display goods receipt document |
Which transactions and Fiori apps are used in EWM (Extended Warehouse Management)?
| Transaction | Purpose |
| /SCWM/PRDI | Display/processing of inbound deliveries |
| /SCWM/PRDO | Displaying/editing outbound deliveries |
| /SCWM/GR | Post goods receipt (Goods Receipt in EWM) |
| /SCWM/POST | Posting goods movements, e.g. goods receipts, stock transfers |
| /SCWM/ARRIVE | Posting the physical arrival of a delivery |
| /SCWM/RFUI | RF transactions for mobile devices (e.g. goods receipt scans using scanners) |
| /SCWM/MON | Warehouse Management Monitor – centralised monitoring of all goods receipt processes |
Flowers Apps in S/4HANA EWM
With S/4HANA EWM, many processes are also mapped via Fiori apps. Examples:
- Inbound Delivery Processing – Processing incoming deliveries, status changes, goods receipt posting
- Post Goods Receipt for Inbound Delivery – Posting goods receipt for delivery
- Monitor Inbound Deliveries – Overview of open, ongoing and booked deliveries
- Run Outbound and Inbound Processes – RF Environment – mobile RF processes (e.g. scanning at goods receipt)
- Warehouse Management Monitor (Fiori) – Dashboard for warehouse processes, including goods receipt
Distinction from IM
- IM (Inventory Management): Goods receipt is posted directly via MIGO or the Fiori app Post Goods Receipt for Purchase Order.
- EWM: Goods receipt is handled via inbound deliveries (transaction /SCWM/PRDI or Fiori app Inbound Delivery Processing). Only after processing there does the final storage in the storage location take place.
Integration into other modules
MM (Materials Management)
Central control of the goods receipt process
QM (quality management)
Automatic quality inspection after goods receipt
FI (Finance)
Valuation of goods received affects financial accounting
CO (Controlling)
Recorded costs are included in cost centre accounting.
WM/EWM (warehouse management)
Automated storage after goods receipt
What will change with SAP S/4HANA?
SAP S/4HANA has optimised many processes. For goods receipt, this means:
- Central data storage in the MATDOC table
- Real-time processing of goods receipts
- New fiori interfaces for more intuitive user guidance
- Automatic booking checks and integrated verification mechanisms
- Embedded analytics for direct evaluation of goods receipts
Secondary aspects & important terms
Quality control (QM):
If a material is subject to quality inspection, it is first transferred to the Q warehouse after goods receipt. Only after successful inspection is it released for storage.
Transaction type:
Each goods receipt posting is made with a transaction type:
| 101 | Goods received for order |
| 103 | Goods receipt for order - storage blocked |
| 105 | Release from blocked stock |
| 501 | Goods received without an order (e.g. donation) |
Batch management:
If materials are managed with batch requirements, a batch number must be specified when posting. This is particularly relevant in the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries.
Common challenges in goods receipt & best practices:
Challenges
- Incorrect quantity entries due to lack of control
- Uncoordinated deliveries without orders
- Missing batch information
- Double bookings due to unclear processes
Best Practices
- Regelmäßige Schulungen der Lager- und Einkaufsteams
- Nutzung von Scannern oder mobilen Geräten (Fiori-Apps, RFUI)
- Einrichtung von Pflichtfeldern für Chargen, Lieferantendaten etc.
- Automatisierte Prüfmechanismen vor der Verbuchung
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about SAP Goods Receipt
What happens if too much has been delivered?
SAP allows overdeliveries to be posted if this is specified in the purchase order (tolerance limit). Otherwise, the difference must be treated separately or the purchase order must be adjusted.
Can a goods receipt be reversed?
Yes, a material document can be cancelled using the MBST or Cancel transaction in MIGO. Transaction type 102 is used automatically.
How can I find all goods received on a particular day?
Use MB51 or the Fiori app Display Material Documents with a filter on transaction type 101 and date.
What is the difference between MIGO and MB1C?
MIGO is the modern transaction with multiple functions (goods receipt, goods issue, stock transfer, etc.). MB1C is used for inventory management without reference to a purchase order – e.g. for initial inventories.
Conclusion: Why is SAP goods receipt so important?
A properly executed goods receipt is crucial for:
- Availability of materials in production and sales
- Correct accounting of stock values
- quality assurance
- Smooth invoice receipt
With SAP – especially in the modern environment of S/4HANA – these processes can be largely automated and made transparent.
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