Article 21: What documents are created during Goods Issue and how do I find them?

What documents does Goods Issue create?

Every goods issue transaction automatically creates two linked documents that provide complete traceability of the material movement and its financial impact[6][2][10].

Document 1: Material Document

What it contains:

• Material number being issued
• Quantity and unit of measure issued
• Movement type (261, 601, 551, etc.)
• Plant and storage location details
• Batch information (if batch-managed)
• Reference document (order, reservation, delivery)

What it's used for:

• Inventory tracking: Proof of physical movement
• Audit trail: Complete movement history
• Stock reconciliation: Verify inventory levels
• Quality management: Link to inspection lots

Document 2: Accounting Document

What it contains:

• Account codes impacted by the transaction
• Debit and credit amounts for financial posting
• Cost center or order being charged
• Posting keys and transaction details
• Tax information (if applicable)

What it's used for:

• Financial reporting: Updates general ledger
• Cost accounting: Charges costs to proper objects
• Balance sheet: Reduces inventory values
• P&L statement: Records material consumption

How to find and display these documents:

Finding Material Documents

Method 1: Transaction MB51

1. Enter MB51 (Material Document List)
2. Enter search criteria:

• Material number
• Plant and storage location
• Movement type
• Date range

3. Execute to see list of material documents
4. Double-click any document to view details

Method 2: From Transaction History

• Most transactions show material document number in confirmation message
• Write down the document number for future reference

Finding Accounting Documents

Method 1: Transaction FB03

1. Enter FB03 (Display Accounting Document)
2. Enter document number (if known)
3. Or use "Find" button with search criteria
4. View document details and line items

Method 2: From Material Document

1. Display material document (MB03)
2. Go to Environment menu
3. Select "Accounting Document"
4. System displays linked financial document

How are these documents linked?

Document Relationship:

• Material document references accounting document number[6]
• Accounting document references material document number
• Both documents have same posting date and time
• Same user appears on both documents

Tracking Example:

Material Document: 5000000123 (2024)
├── Accounting Document: 1400000456 (2024)
├── Reference: Production Order 1000567
└── Movement Type: 261 (Goods Issue to Order)

What if I can't find the documents?

Common Issues:

• Wrong plant/company code: Check authorization
• Date range too narrow: Expand search dates
• Document not posted: Check if transaction completed successfully
• Authorization missing: Contact system administrator

Best Practices:

• Always note document numbers from confirmation messages
• Use consistent search criteria (plant, material, date range)
• Check both company codes if working across multiple entities
• Verify posting dates match your transaction dates

Why is document traceability important?

• Audit compliance: Required for financial audits
• Problem solving: Track root cause of inventory discrepancies
• Cost analysis: Understand where materials are being consumed
• Process improvement: Analyze material flow patterns