In SAP Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), number ranges are essential for uniquely identifying documents such as purchase requisitions, purchase orders, contracts, and service entries. Proper configuration of number ranges ensures smooth transaction processing, helps avoid duplicate document numbers, and supports traceability and auditing. This article provides a detailed overview of best practices and key steps for customizing number ranges in SAP SRM.
Number ranges are predefined numerical intervals used to assign unique document numbers automatically. Each document type in SRM—like purchase orders or contracts—has its own number range. When a user creates a new document, the system assigns the next available number from the relevant number range.
Out-of-the-box SAP SRM comes with default number ranges. However, organizations often need to customize number ranges to:
Number Range Intervals: Define the lower and upper limits of numbers to be assigned.
External vs. Internal Number Assignment:
Number Range Objects: Logical groupings that link document types to their number ranges.
Extensibility: Multiple number ranges can be created for the same document type to support different business units or regions.
SRM Server → SRM Foundation → Number Ranges → Define Number Range IntervalsSelect the relevant Number Range Object (e.g., BBP_EBELN for Purchase Orders).
Create new intervals by specifying:
Plan Number Range Size Carefully
Avoid ranges that are too small, which can cause number exhaustion, or too large, which wastes number space.
Separate Number Ranges by Environment
Maintain distinct number ranges for development, testing, and production to prevent overlaps.
Use Year-Dependent Number Ranges if Needed
For documents that reset numbering annually, configure year-dependent ranges to ease archiving and reporting.
Document Your Number Range Setup
Maintain clear documentation for audit purposes and easier future maintenance.
Test Number Range Assignments
Perform extensive testing in non-production systems to ensure number ranges behave as expected.
| Document Type | Number Range Object | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Order | BBP_EBELN |
Number range for purchase orders |
| Purchase Requisition | BBP_BANFN |
Number range for requisitions |
| Contract | BBP_EKKN |
Number range for contracts |
| Service Entry Sheet | BBP_SERNR |
Number range for service sheets |
Customizing number ranges in SAP SRM is a foundational activity that supports reliable procurement operations. Well-planned number range configuration avoids duplication errors, aligns with organizational standards, and enhances system traceability. By following best practices and thoroughly testing the configuration, organizations can ensure a smooth procurement process and maintain data integrity.