TOPIC -9
SAP MM Request for Quotation (RFQ) – In-Depth Guide
A Request for Quotation (RFQ) in SAP MM is a procurement document sent
to vendors to request pricing and terms for materials or services. It is part of the
procurement cycle and helps in selecting the best vendor based on price, quality,
and delivery time.
1. RFQ Process Overview RFQ process involves the following steps:
1. Create RFQ (ME41)
2. Send RFQ to Vendors (ME9A)
3. Maintain Quotation from Vendors (ME47)
4. Compare Quotations (ME49)
5. Convert RFQ into a Purchase Order (PO) (ME21N)
2. Navigation Path & T-Codes for RFQ
Transaction
Process Navigation Path
Code (T-Code)
SAP Menu → Logistics → Materials Management →
Create RFQ ME41
Purchasing → RFQ/Quotation → Create
SAP Menu → Logistics → Materials Management →
Change RFQ ME42
Purchasing → RFQ/Quotation → Change
SAP Menu → Logistics → Materials Management →
Display RFQ ME43
Purchasing → RFQ/Quotation → Display
Print/Send SAP Menu → Logistics → Materials Management →
ME9A
RFQ Purchasing → RFQ/Quotation → Messages
Maintain SAP Menu → Logistics → Materials Management →
ME47
Quotation Purchasing → RFQ/Quotation → Maintain Quotation
Compare SAP Menu → Logistics → Materials Management →
ME49
Quotations Purchasing → RFQ/Quotation → Price Comparison
Convert RFQ SAP Menu → Logistics → Materials Management →
ME21N
to PO Purchasing → Purchase Order → Create
3. Important Tables in RFQ
Table Description
EKKO RFQ Header Data
EKPO RFQ Item Data
EKET RFQ Schedule Lines
EKBE RFQ History (Follow-up Documents)
KONH Conditions (Header)
KONP Conditions (Items)
LFA1 Vendor Master
T161 RFQ Document Types
4. Step-by-Step RFQ Process with Real-Time Example
Scenario:
A company needs 500 units of raw material (Steel Sheets) for manufacturing.
The procurement team wants to collect quotes from multiple vendors before
placing an order.
Step 1: Create an RFQ (ME41)
1. Open T-Code ME41
2. Enter:
o RFQ Type: AN (Standard RFQ)
o Purchasing Organization: 1000
o Purchasing Group: 001
o RFQ Date: Today’s Date
o Quotation Deadline: 7 Days Later
3. Click Enter
4. Add vendor details if known (or assign later)
5. Enter material details:
o Material: STEEL-SHEET-100X200
o Quantity: 500
o Delivery Date: 30 Days from Today
6. Save the RFQ and note the RFQ number
Step 2: Print and Send RFQ to Vendors (ME9A)
1. Open ME9A
2. Enter the RFQ number
3. Select the Output Type (e.g., Print, Email)
4. Execute and send the RFQ to vendors
Step 3: Maintain Vendor Quotations (ME47)
1. Open ME47
2. Enter the RFQ number
3. Choose a vendor and enter the price, delivery date, and conditions
4. Repeat for all vendor responses
5. Save
Step 4: Compare Quotations (ME49)
1. Open ME49
2. Enter RFQ number
3. Execute to see a comparison of vendor prices, delivery terms, and total
costs
4. Select the best vendor
Step 5: Convert RFQ into a Purchase Order (ME21N)
1. Open ME21N
2. Choose the best vendor from ME49
3. Create a PO using RFQ reference
4. Save the PO
5. Real-Time Business Scenarios
Scenario 1: Bulk Material Procurement
Example: A construction company needs 10,000 bricks for a new project.
Since prices fluctuate, they send RFQs to multiple suppliers. The quotations are
compared, and the best-priced vendor with an acceptable delivery date is
selected.
Scenario 2: IT Equipment Purchase
Example: A company needs 50 laptops for new employees. Instead of directly
placing an order, they send RFQs to HP, Dell, and Lenovo to compare
specifications and bulk pricing. The vendor with the best warranty and support
is chosen.
Scenario 3: Service Procurement
Example: A factory requires machine maintenance services every quarter. An
RFQ is sent to three service providers. Quotations include cost, availability, and
service guarantees. The best service provider is awarded a contract.
6. Key Benefits of Using RFQ in SAP MM
Cost Savings: Vendors compete by offering the best prices.
Transparency: Helps compare multiple vendors based on price, delivery,
and terms.
Negotiation Power: RFQs allow companies to negotiate better deals.
Efficiency: Automates vendor selection and procurement planning.
Compliance: Ensures a fair vendor selection process in audits.
Conclusion
The RFQ process in SAP MM plays a crucial role in strategic sourcing by
ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions. By leveraging RFQ creation
(ME41), quotation maintenance (ME47), and price comparison (ME49),
organizations can optimize procurement efficiency while maintaining
transparency and cost control.
