How to Activate the PO Shipping Tab Field in SAP

Introduction

Ever tried to process vendor returns in SAP only to find that the PO Shipping tab is mysteriously missing? You’re not alone. It’s one of those quirks in SAP that isn’t always intuitive. But once you know the right master data settings and configuration paths, it becomes second nature.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything — from account group tweaks to customer-vendor links, down to the exact tables you should check when troubleshooting.

Whether you're a seasoned MM consultant or just navigating your first returns PO, this one's for you.

1. Why the PO Shipping Tab Field Even Matters

Think of the Shipping tab as your gateway to logistics integration. It holds vital data for vendor returns — things like the shipping condition, shipping point, and delivery data. Without it, you're flying blind when trying to manage return deliveries (especially with movement type 161).

2. Checklist: Required Settings to Enable the PO Shipping Tab

Let’s break it down like a configuration checklist. If the tab isn’t showing, one of these is probably missing.

✅ 1. Vendor Master Must Be Flagged for Returns

In the vendor master, the “Returns” flag under the Purchasing View must be checked.
Path: XK03 / BP (S/4HANA) → Purchasing Data

✅ 2. Customer Master Must Be Linked to Vendor

This is one of those classic SAP cross-references. You need:

A Customer Master Record created for the vendor
The customer number maintained in the vendor master under Control Data

This link allows SAP to use shipping data from the customer during returns processing.

✅ 3. Shipping Condition Must Be Maintained

Go to VD03
Check the Shipping Tab under the Sales Area Data
Ensure the Shipping Condition field is visible and maintained

3. Unlocking the Shipping Condition Field in Customer Master

Alright, this deserves its own section because SAP doesn’t make this easy. If you don’t see the shipping condition field in VD03, here’s how to unlock it:

Step-by-Step: Activate Shipping Condition Field

1. Check Customer Account Group

T-code: VD03 → Extras → Administrative Data

Note the Account Group used.

2. Navigate in IMG
SPRO → IMG → Financial Accounting → Accounts Receivable/Payable → Customer Accounts → Master Data → Preparations for Creating Customer Master →
Define Account Groups with Screen Layout

3. Select Your Account Group
Choose the one from Step 1.

4. Go into Sales View → Shipping Tab
Ensure the Shipping Condition field is not suppressed.
Set it to Optional (or Required if you want enforcement during customer creation).

Pro Tip: Use T-code OBD2 for faster access.

4. Assign Shipping Point Based on Plant & Shipping Condition

This step connects logistics with your plant settings.

Maintain the shipping point determination:

Based on Shipping Condition, Loading Group, and Plant
Assign the combination in the configuration:

SPRO → Logistics Execution → Shipping → Basic Shipping Functions → Shipping Point and Goods Receiving Point Determination

5. Maintain Shipping Data for Material Master

A return without material shipping info is like a car without wheels.

T-code: MM02
Maintain in Sales Org 1 / 2 views
Fields to maintain:

Loading Group
Shipping Group
Transportation Group

6. Shipping-Related Tables You’ll Need to Know

When you're debugging or building custom reports, these tables are gold:

Table	Use
EKKO	PO Header
EKPO	PO Item (contains delivery & shipping info)
EKET	PO Schedule Lines
LIKP	Outbound Delivery Header
LIPS	Outbound Delivery Item

Want to get shipping instructions for a specific PO item? Start with EKPO, then trace delivery documents via LIKP/LIPS.

7. Real-World Example: Vendor Return With Delivery

Let’s say you’ve returned 100 defective units to Vendor X. You’ve:

1. Flagged them for returns in XK03.
2. Created a customer master and linked it.
3. Maintained the shipping condition in the customer.
4. Assigned a shipping point for the plant.
5. Updated shipping data in MM02.

Now when you create a return PO using doc type RE, boom — the Shipping tab appears, and you can proceed to generate an outbound delivery.

8. Bonus Tip: Make Shipping Condition Mandatory

Want to enforce data quality?

Go to OBD2
Select your Account Group
Under Sales Data → Shipping, change the field from Optional to Required Entry

That way, users can’t save the customer without entering it. Saves tons of troubleshooting down the line.

Conclusion

So there you have it — the complete rundown on how to activate and configure the PO Shipping Tab field in SAP. It may seem like a patchwork of settings, but each one is part of a logical sequence. When they’re all in place, SAP behaves exactly as expected.

FAQs

1. Why is my PO Shipping Tab still missing even after linking customer and vendor?

Double-check the customer’s account group field settings in OBD2 — the field might be suppressed.

2. What document type should I use for returns with delivery?

Use document type RE (Return PO). It’s tailored for return logistics.

3. Can I skip creating a customer master for the vendor?

No. It’s required if you want the Shipping Tab to appear — SAP uses customer shipping data.

4. What if the shipping point is not determined?

Make sure the determination settings include the correct shipping condition, plant, and loading group.

5. How do I see shipping details tied to a PO?

Use transaction ME23N, and check under the Delivery tab for items. For tables, refer to EKPO, LIKP, and LIPS.

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