All Invoice Receipt Indicator in S/4HANA

In SAP S/4HANA, the Invoice Receipt (IR) indicator plays a vital role in the Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) process. It determines whether an invoice is expected for a specific purchase order (PO) item and directly influences invoice verification and financial postings. This comprehensive guide explores all the key locations where the IR indicator is found in S/4HANA, spanning transactions, configuration settings, database tables, and Fiori apps. Whether you're an SAP consultant, procurement analyst, or S/4HANA end user, this article is your go-to reference.

What Is the Invoice Receipt Indicator in SAP S/4HANA?

The Invoice Receipt (IR) indicator in S/4HANA controls whether an invoice is required for a PO item. When enabled, the system expects an invoice for that item during the invoice verification process. It's tightly integrated with the Goods Receipt (GR) indicator and GR-Based Invoice Verification.

Where to Find the Invoice Receipt Indicator in S/4HANA

Here’s a detailed breakdown of all locations and paths where the IR indicator can be found:

1. Purchase Order (PO) – Transactions ME21N, ME22N, ME23N

  • Location: PO item level
  • Path:
    • Open ME21N (Create), ME22N (Change), or ME23N (Display) Purchase Order.
    • Go to the Item Details section.
    • Click on the Invoice tab.
    • Find the Invoice Receipt indicator (field EREKZ in table EKPO).
  • Purpose: Indicates if the system should expect an invoice for that item.
  • Default Behavior: Auto-set based on the item category or account assignment.

2. Item Category Configuration – SPRO Path

  • Location: Configuration of item categories
  • Path:
    • SPRO → SAP Reference IMG → Materials Management → Purchasing → Purchase Order → Define Item Categories
    • Select your item category (e.g., Standard, Consignment)
    • Check the Control Invoice Receipt section.
  • Purpose: Controls default behavior of IR indicator for each item category.

3. Account Assignment Category Configuration – SPRO

  • Location: SPRO customizing for account assignments
  • Path:
    • SPRO → SAP Reference IMG → Materials Management → Purchasing → Account Assignment → Maintain Account Assignment Categories
    • Choose your account assignment (e.g., K – Cost Center)
    • Find the IR setting under Control Parameters.
  • Purpose: Defines whether invoices are expected based on account assignment type.

4. Purchase Requisition (PR) – ME51N, ME52N, ME53N

  • Location: PR item level
  • Path:
    • Open ME51N, ME52N, or ME53N.
    • Go to Item DetailsValuation tab.
    • Locate the Invoice Receipt indicator.
  • Purpose: Preliminary control—can influence the PO, but overridden based on item category setup.

5. EKPO Table – Technical Location

  • Location: SAP Database Table
  • Field: EREKZ
  • Path:
    • Use transaction SE16 or SE16N
    • Enter table EKPO, filter by PO number and item
  • Purpose: IR indicator storage for each PO item

6. SAP Fiori Apps

  • Location: Fiori-based PO apps
  • Path:
    • Open Fiori app like Manage Purchase Orders or Create Purchase Order – Advanced
    • Select PO → Item Details → Invoice tab
  • Purpose: User-friendly access to same IR data via modern UI

Key Notes on Invoice Receipt Indicator Usage

  • The IR indicator is distinct from:
    • GR Indicator: Determines whether goods receipt is expected.
    • GR-Based Invoice Verification: Links invoices directly to GRs.
  • Disabling IR is useful for:
    • Free-of-charge items
    • Internal transfers
    • Service items where no invoice is expected

Summary Table: Invoice Receipt Indicator Locations

Area Transaction/Path Purpose
Purchase Order (PO) ME21N / ME22N / ME23N → Item Details → Invoice Tab Indicates if invoice is required
Item Category Config SPRO → Purchasing → PO → Define Item Categories Default control by item type
Account Assignment Config SPRO → Purchasing → Account Assignment → Maintain Categories Auto-control based on cost center, etc.
Purchase Requisition (PR) ME51N / ME52N / ME53N → Item Details → Valuation tab Optional setting, may influence PO
EKPO Table SE16 / SE16N → EKPO → Field: EREKZ Technical location for IR value
Fiori Apps Manage/Create Purchase Orders (Advanced) → Invoice Tab Modern UI to view/set IR flag

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of the Invoice Receipt indicator in S/4HANA?

It determines whether an invoice is expected for a purchase order item, enabling invoice verification and financial posting processes.

2. Can the IR indicator be changed after PO creation?

Yes, it can be modified in PO change mode (ME22N) unless blocked by customization or workflow approvals.

3. What happens if the IR indicator is unchecked?

The system won’t expect an invoice for that PO item, and invoice verification won’t occur for it.

4. Is the IR indicator dependent on the item category?

Yes, item category settings often control whether IR is defaulted as active or inactive.

5. Can the IR indicator be viewed in Fiori apps?

Yes, modern Fiori apps allow users to view and modify the IR indicator in a more intuitive interface.

6. How is the IR indicator stored in the system?

It’s saved in field EREKZ of the EKPO table, accessible via SE16/SE16N.

Conclusion

Understanding the Invoice Receipt indicator in S/4HANA is crucial for accurate invoice management and procurement control. By knowing all the key locations—from POs to PRs, SPRO config, and Fiori apps—SAP users can efficiently manage purchasing processes and avoid invoice mismatches.
 

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