Difference Between a Sales Order and a Delivery Document in SAP SD

In SAP SD (Sales and Distribution module), a sales order and a delivery document are two key documents used in the sales process. Understanding the differences between these two documents is crucial for efficiently managing sales operations. Here are the key distinctions:

Sales Order:

• A sales order is a document created by the customer to request goods or services from a company.
• It captures the details of the products or services ordered, quantities, prices, delivery dates, and payment terms.
• A sales order initiates the sales process and serves as a legal agreement between the customer and the company.
• It represents a commitment from the customer to purchase the specified products or services.
• Sales orders are used for planning and fulfillment purposes, helping the company manage their inventory and production.

Delivery Document:

• A delivery document is created based on a sales order to initiate the delivery of goods or services to the customer.
• It contains information such as the shipping details, quantities of products to be delivered, and the delivery date.
• Once the delivery is completed, the delivery document is used to confirm that the products have been sent to the customer.
• Delivery documents are essential for tracking the shipment of goods and updating inventory levels.
• They help ensure that the right products are delivered to the right customer at the right time.

Overall, while a sales order represents a customer's request to purchase products or services, a delivery document signifies the actual delivery of those products or services to the customer. Both documents play crucial roles in the sales process within SAP SD.