Release Procedure With and Without Classification in SAP

Introduction: Why Release Procedures Matter in SAP

Release procedures in SAP aren’t just about bureaucracy — they’re your system’s built-in gatekeepers. They ensure only the right people approve the right documents at the right time. Whether it’s a simple purchase requisition or a high-value purchase order, release strategies help businesses maintain control, transparency, and compliance.

Imagine approving a million-dollar equipment order without checks. Scary, right? That’s why SAP offers structured release procedures to enforce control points before orders go through.

What Is a Release Procedure in SAP?

At its core, a release procedure in SAP is a structured approval workflow for purchasing documents. Think of it like getting managerial sign-off before you hit "buy" — but automated, and way more granular.

It can apply to:

  • Purchase Requisitions (PRs)
  • Purchase Orders (POs)
  • Contracts
  • Scheduling Agreements
The goal? To make sure that procurement processes follow defined rules before anything is finalized or sent to vendors.

Release Procedure Without Classification: The Basics

This is the simpler of the two options SAP gives you — but also more limited. A release procedure without classification is:
  • Only applicable to purchase requisitions (not purchase orders)
  • Based on fixed system-defined characteristics like: 
    • Account assignment category
    • Plant
    • Material group
    • Total value
  • Limited to item-level release only
In other words, every item in a PR must go through its own approval cycle. No overall or header-level approvals here.

This works well for organizations with straightforward needs, where release logic doesn’t vary too much.

Release Procedure With Classification: The Advanced Option

Now here’s where it gets flexible — and powerful. Release procedure with classification lets you build your own logic using SAP’s classification system.

You can:

  • Release both PRs and POs
  • Define custom characteristics (vendor, document type, custom fields, etc.)
  • Perform release at the item or header level
Most importantly, for purchase orders, this is the only method available. Since POs require header-level releases, classification is a must.

Key Differences at a Glance

To save you a spreadsheet, here’s the big picture:
 
Feature With Classification Without Classification
PR Support ✅ ✅
PO Support ✅ ❌
Item-Level Release ✅ ✅
Header-Level Release ✅ ❌
Custom Characteristics ✅ ❌
Fixed Characteristics ❌ ✅

When Should You Use Each Procedure?

If you’re dealing with basic PRs that only need simple approvals, and you don’t plan to grow the logic — release without classification is fine.

But if you need:

  • Approval for purchase orders
  • Header-level control
  • Complex release logic
  • Custom rules or document types
Then release with classification is your only real option.

Can You Use Release Without Classification for a PO?

Nope. Not even as a workaround.

SAP mandates that all purchase orders go through a header-level release — and that requires classification. This is because POs represent commitments to vendors, and SAP expects tighter control over them.

If you attempt to configure a PO release without classification, you’ll hit a wall. It’s just not supported.

Real-World Example: PR vs PO Approval Flow

Let’s say your team in Plant A creates a PR for five laptops. That request can go through a release strategy without classification. Maybe it only needs a team lead’s sign-off.

But once the PR is converted into a PO worth $5,000, it might need manager and finance approval. That requires a header-level release strategy — which only classification supports.

Setting Up Release With Classification: Quick Guide

  1. Define characteristics in transaction CT04
  2. Create a class in CL02
  3. Assign the class and characteristics to your release strategy
  4. Configure the release strategy via SPRO
  5. Assign the strategy to relevant document types and conditions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Trying to mix both procedures (not allowed)
  • Forgetting to assign classes correctly
  • Using the wrong characteristic types
  • Not testing release simulation thoroughly

Expert Tips for Streamlining Your Release Workflow

  • Use the simulation function to test release logic without live data
  • Document your release strategy thoroughly for audit and training
  • Create fallback strategies for emergency approvals

FAQs About SAP Release Procedures

Can I use both procedures together?
No. SAP allows only one release procedure per document type.

Can I switch from without to with classification later?
Yes, but it requires reconfiguring your release strategies and testing them.

What happens if I change document types?
Your release strategy may not trigger unless properly reassigned to the new document type.

Is header-level release always better?
Not always. It’s better for POs but may be overkill for basic PRs.

Can I release externally created documents using these methods?
Only via classification. External docs require header-level release.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Release Path

If you’re in procurement, release procedures are non-negotiable. They protect your organization from rogue spending, unauthorized orders, and audit headaches.

For simple internal requisitions? Go ahead and use release without classification.

But for POs or anything involving vendors, custom approval layers, or financial commitments — release with classification is the way to go.

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