How to Assign Vendors Using the Source List in SAP MM
Updated 10/12/20262 min read
Vendor assignment identifies which suppliers will be invited to quote for a PR item. The source process supports selecting regular vendors maintained in the source list or using a one-time vendor when the supplier is not maintained as a regular source.
Before you assign vendors
· For a regular vendor, confirm that the material-vendor purchasing info record and source list are maintained as required.
· Confirm the correct material and plant.
· Use one-time vendors sparingly, particularly for requirements that may recur.
Steps
1. For regular sourcing, create or check the material-vendor purchasing info record using ME11.
2. Maintain the source list using ME01 or the Fiori tile “Manage Source List,” where available.
3. If enabled in the portal, use Maintain Source List to maintain the Material–Plant–Vendor relationship directly from the Vendor Portal.
4. Open the PR line item in the portal and select Assign Vendor.
5. Choose the required regular vendor from the source list, or select a one-time vendor if the supplier is not maintained as a regular source.
6. Save. The selected vendor or vendors are linked to the PR line item and are available for RFQ creation.
Configuration and control notes
|
Area |
Source-document guidance |
|
Source list requirement |
SPRO → MM → Purchasing → Source List → Define Source List Requirement for Plant; also review the source-list indicator in the material master Purchasing view. |
|
Purchasing info record |
ME11; review info-record category and validity dates. |
|
One-time vendor |
Review BP grouping and number ranges for the one-time supplier account group. |
|
FI integration |
For regular vendors, reconciliation account and payment terms in BP company-code data can default into a later PO. For one-time vendors, bank and address data is entered at document level, according to the source. |
|
Governance |
If a one-time vendor becomes a repeat supplier, the source recommends creating a proper BP to maintain price history and info records. |
One-time vendor: important note
The source defines a one-time vendor as a vendor not maintained in the source list at the time of assignment. The purchaser can use the vendor for the quotation process without first maintaining it as a regular source. The source also notes that one-time vendors normally do not have a portal login; confirm the actual portal and SAP design before publication.
FAQs
Q. Which transaction maintains the source list?
A. ME01 is cited in the source. The Fiori tile “Manage Source List” is also mentioned.
Q. What is ME11 used for?
A. ME11 is used to create a purchasing info record for the material-vendor relationship.
Q. Can I assign a vendor not in the source list?
A. The source process allows selecting a one-time vendor for that scenario.
Q. Does a one-time vendor normally have portal access?
A. The source says a one-time vendor normally has no portal login; confirm the configured process for your organization.
Q. When should a one-time vendor become a regular vendor?
A. If the supplier is used repeatedly, the source recommends creating a proper Business Partner so vendor history and purchasing info records can be maintained.
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