Article 60: How do I configure ASN confirmation control in SAP MM?

What is ASN confirmation control and why is it needed?

ASN confirmation control is the SAP configuration that determines how the system processes advance shipping notifications from suppliers. It controls whether ASNs are required, how they're processed, and what happens when they're received.

Where do I configure confirmation control?

Transaction Path:

• SPRO → Materials Management → Purchasing → Confirmations → Set Up Confirmation Control
• Or direct transaction: OMG E (Define Confirmation Control Keys)

What are confirmation control keys?

Confirmation control keys are configuration codes that define the behavior of different types of supplier confirmations, including ASNs.

Standard Confirmation Control Keys:

How do I set up a confirmation control key for ASN?

Step 1: Access Configuration

1. Enter transaction OMG E
2. Select confirmation control key (e.g., 0004)
3. Double-click to maintain details

Step 2: Configure Confirmation Categories

Category AB (Shipping Notification):

• Active indicator: Checked to enable ASN processing
• Statistics update: Controls performance measurement
• Relevant for receipt: Links ASN to goods receipt
• Inbound delivery: Creates delivery document automatically

Configuration Options:

• Confirmation required: Makes ASN mandatory
• Tolerance limits: Acceptable variance in quantities/dates
• Text required: Forces explanatory text entry
• Automatic processing: Enables straight-through processing

Step 3: Set Up Processing Rules

Automatic Creation:

• Inbound delivery type: Define document type for deliveries
• Plant determination: How system assigns receiving plant
• Storage location: Default location for receipts
• Movement type: Goods receipt posting type

Validation Rules:

• Quantity tolerance: Acceptable over/under delivery percentage
• Date tolerance: How early/late deliveries are accepted
• Price validation: Whether to check pricing information
• Material matching: Strict vs. flexible material number matching

How do I assign confirmation control to materials?

Method 1: Purchase Order Level

In Purchase Order (ME21N/ME22N):

1. Go to item detail screen
2. Navigate to confirmations tab
3. Enter confirmation control key
4. Save purchase order

Method 2: Vendor Master Level

In Vendor Master (MK02):

1. Access purchasing view
2. Enter default confirmation control
3. System applies to new POs automatically

Method 3: Purchase Info Record

In Info Record (ME11/ME12):

1. Maintain purchasing data
2. Set confirmation control as default
3. Copies to new purchase orders

What additional settings are needed?

Vendor Master Configuration

EDI Partners:

• Partner number for electronic communication
• Message types enabled for ASN
• Communication method (EDI, email, web)
• Processing options for incoming messages

Material Master Settings

Purchasing View:

• Confirmation control allowed indicator
• Tolerance groups for quantity/date variances
• Quality management integration if needed

Plant/Company Configuration

EDI Processing:

• IDoc processing parameters
• Background job scheduling for ASN processing
• Error handling procedures
• Archive settings for processed ASNs

How do I test the confirmation control setup?

Test Scenario Creation

1. Create test purchase order with confirmation control
2. Generate test ASN data (manual or EDI)
3. Process ASN through system
4. Verify inbound delivery creation
5. Complete goods receipt and check integration

Validation Points

System Behavior:

• ASN processing without errors
• Inbound delivery created automatically
• Purchase order status updated correctly
• Warehouse notification sent appropriately

Data Accuracy:

• Quantities transferred correctly
• Dates calculated properly
• Material numbers matched accurately
• Packaging information captured

What common configuration errors should I avoid?

Missing Setup:

• Confirmation control not assigned to PO items
• Inbound delivery type not configured
• EDI parameters incomplete
• Vendor master settings missing

Tolerance Issues:

• Too strict tolerances causing rejections
• Too loose tolerances allowing errors
• Date tolerances not aligned with business needs
• Quantity tolerances inappropriate for material types

Integration Problems:

• Warehouse management not configured for ASN
• Quality management settings conflicting
• Financial integration incomplete
• Transportation management not connected