What is sales cycle?

Question

what is sales cycle?

Answer 1

hi
the process from where the customer approches the business to till the order is delivered to the customer..
in SAP this process starts from the Enquiry - Quotation - Order - Delivery - Billing
in real time its not must that the process has to start from Enquiry.. usually customer directly places the order and the rest of the process is continued..
sometimes there are situations where goods are delivered with the order reference..
below is the config part of Sales Cycle
Sales Order Cycle:-
Step 1: Sales Document Type
IMG > Sales and Distribution > Sales > Sales Documents >
Sales Document Header:
1. Sales Document Type:The sales document types represent the different business transactions, such as Inquiry, Quotation, Sales Order, etc. To create new sales order type, always copy as with reference to similar sales order. If possible use standard sales order.
2. Define Number Ranges For Sales Documents: Maintain number range with discussion with core team.
3. Assign Sales Area To Sales Document Types:
A. Combine sales organizations / Combine distribution channels / Combine divisions: Ensure to maintain these, else Sales Order creation will give error.
B. Assign sales order types permitted for sales areas: Assign only required Sales Order Types to required Sales Area. This will minimize selection of Sales Order Type as per sales area.
Sales Document Item:
1. Define Item Categories: If possible use Standard Item Category. Incase if required to create new, copy as from standard & maintain New.
2. Assign Item Categories: If possible, use standard. Formula for deriving item category: Sales Document Type + Item Category Group + Usage + Higher Level Item Category = Item Category
Schedule Line:
1. Define Schedule Line Categories: If possible use Standard Schedule Lines. Incase if required to create new, copy as from standard & maintain New.
2. Assign Schedule Line Categories: If possible, use standard. Formula for deriving Schedule Line: Item Category + MRP Type / No MRP Type.
Step 2:
IMG > Logistic Execution > Shipping > Deliveries >
1. Define Delivery Types: If possible use Standard Delivery Type. Incase if required to create new, copy as from standard & maintain New.
2. Define Item Categories for Deliveries: If possible use Standard Item Categories for Delivery Type. Incase if required to create new, copy as from standard & maintain New.
3. Define Number Ranges for Deliveries: Ensure to maintain number range.
Step 3:
IMG > Sales and Distribution > Billing >
1. Define Billing Types: If possible use Standard Billing Type. Incase if required to create new, copy as from standard & maintain New.
2. Define Number Range For Billing Documents: Ensure to maintain number range.
3. Maintain Copying Control For Billing Documents: Maintain relevant copy controls such as Sales Order to Billing, Deliver to Billing, etc.
Rewared if Useful
Thanx &  Regards
Naren......