Book review: Invoice Verification for SAP (2nd ed.

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The 2nd version of Stephen Birchall s Invoice Verification for SAP R/31 (2006), has just come out (2008) under the title Invoice Verification for SAP (2nd Edition)2. This is a very helpful book for anyone wishing to understand how logistics Invoice Verification (IV) works in SAP R/3 and ERP. This 2nd edition is updated with some changes and additions that have been made to SAP ERP 6 (ECC 6.0). SAP-Consultant has had the pleasure to read this 90-page book and we believe that it will go a long way in giving you a good understanding of SAP s IV functionalities. The book is structured in 4 chapters: Chapter 1, what is Invoice Verification, gives an overview of the process and explains its two most basic transaction codes: MIRO (enter incoming invoice) and MRBR (release blocked invoices). It also contains some really valuable information and insights on how IV should be treated, if it is to be set up in an efficient way. Chapter 2, goes under the title specific functions in detail: it presents all the basic functionalities relating to IV, like the (true) meaning of the (goods-receipt) GR-based IV flag, a very good explanation of the planned and unplanned deIVery charges and the different alternatives available in SAP for setting them up, the use of tolerances and purchase order texts. It also makes a very good effort in explaining such rarely used functionalities like invoice reduction and evaluated receipt settlement (ERS), also known as self-billing. When youre that far into the book, youve already read 40 pages packed with Mr. Birchall s experienced comments and advice, that will not only show how SAP works, but, most importantly, how to not misuse SAP-IV by configuring and using functionality for different purposes than it was meant to in the first place. Chapter 3, financial aspects of Invoice Verification, discusses topics such as MM automatic account determination, the GR/IR account maintenance, tax processing, the payment program (F110) and the effects of IV on the material price depending on the selected price control (standard prices vs. moving average prices). This is a short 11-page chapter presenting the most basic financial aspects of IV, basically giving an overview of the standard system topics in this area. Finally, chapter 4 Configuration, is clearly geared towards the SAP consultant tasked with configuring the IV, explaining not only how to configure various options but also explaining the effect of some little-known configuration settings on the IV process. This chapter has been extended in the 2nd edition with ERP 6 updates about prepayments, variance types, the assignment test functionality, and all the ERS-functionality improvements/updates.
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As a concluding summary, we would say that S. Birchall s Invoice Verification for SAP (2nd Edition) presents a very good introduction to the subject of IV for SAP users, customers and even consultants. The organization of the topics and the discussion works very well as it first starts with the functionality overview, moving on to a more detailed description and closing with the configuration chapter. The book assumes that you have basic SAP knowledge, in particular in the areas of Materials Management (MM) and Financial Accounting (FI), at the super-user or consultant level. Some previous exposure to the transactions discussed would be helpful to be able to follow the discussion easier. We do not think the experienced IV consultant has much to learn from this book. On the other hand, this is definitely a treasure of a book for MM and FI consultants interested in IV and who do not yet have much experience on the subject. It would also be very useful to SAP users and customers. We would especially recommend this book to any SAP customer facing issues with their IV processes. It will probably be an eye-opener for many, as it will take you through the standard SAP functionalities and their intended uses, giving you the chance to clearly see where and how your implementation has erred.

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