To release a blocked invoice in SAP, you typically navigate to the blocked invoice processing transaction, find the specific invoice you want to release from the list, and then trigger the release function.
Step-by-Step Process to Release a Blocked Invoice
Releasing an invoice in SAP that has been blocked for payment due to discrepancies (like price or quantity variances) is a standard accounts payable procedure. The process involves identifying the blocked invoices, analyzing the reason for the block, and then executing the release action once the issue is resolved or overridden.
Here's a general breakdown of the steps, incorporating the provided reference:
- Access the Blocked Invoice Transaction: Begin by accessing the relevant SAP transaction code used for processing blocked invoices (a common one is MRBR).
- Enter Selection Criteria: On the initial screen, specify the criteria to find the blocked invoices you are interested in. This might include company code, vendor, invoice date range, blocking reason, etc.
- Reference: "The system issues a list of blocked invoices that meet the criteria entered."
- Display Blocked Invoices: Execute the transaction to generate the list of invoices currently blocked based on your criteria.
- Select the Invoice(s) to Release: From the displayed list, identify and select the specific invoice document(s) that you want to release.
- Reference: "Select the invoice document that you want to release."
- Important Note: "The system automatically selects all other items in the invoice since you cannot release individual items." This means releasing the invoice releases all its line items simultaneously.
- Initiate the Release: Once the invoice is selected, trigger the release function. This is typically done by clicking a specific button or choosing a menu option.
- Reference: "Choose Release invoice."
Key Considerations for Releasing Invoices
- Permissions: You need appropriate authorization in SAP to access the blocked invoice transaction and perform the release action.
- Blocking Reasons: Understand why the invoice was blocked. Releasing an invoice without resolving the underlying issue (e.g., contacting the vendor about a price discrepancy) might lead to future problems.
- Automatic Release: Some blocked invoices might be set up for automatic release if the blocking reason is temporary and is later resolved (e.g., goods receipt posted after invoice entry). The manual release process is for invoices that require manual intervention or override.
Process Flow Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Access Transaction | Go to the SAP transaction for blocked invoices (e.g., MRBR). |
| 2. Define Search | Enter criteria to filter the list of blocked invoices. |
| 3. Get List | Display the list of invoices matching your criteria. |
| 4. Select Invoice | Choose the specific invoice document you intend to release. |
| 5. Release Action | Choose Release invoice to finalize the process. |
By following these steps and using the "Release invoice" function as described, you can effectively release blocked invoices in SAP.
