With the introduction of SAP S/4HANA, a lot has changed in master data maintenance – especially around customer and supplier master records. Anyone who used to be able to quickly change the account group of a customer with the transaction XD07 will look in vain for this function in the new system. But what is the alternative in S/4HANA? And how do you deal with it in practice?
What has changed?
In SAP S/4HANA, the concept of business partners replaces the previous master data transactions such as XD01, XD02 or XD07. The previous group of accounts was replaced by the so-called grouping.
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The group:
- controls the number assignment (internal or external)
- influences field control
- is defined when the business partner is created
A change of grouping is no longer provided for in the standard.
Why is XD07 no longer available?
In the past, XD07 could be used to change the account group of a customer base retrospectively. In S/4HANA, this is no longer possible – and for good reason:
- Grouping affects table structures and required fields
- Switching can lead to inconsistent master data
- Number range logic can be disrupted
That’s why XD07 was abolished by SAP – in favor of consistent and stable master data.
What is the recommended solution?
A subsequent change of grouping is not planned. Instead, SAP recommends the following way:
- Check existing business partner (e.g. transaction data available?)
- Create New Business Partner with the Desired Grouping (Transaction
BP) - Transfer master data such as address, bank details and roles
- Archive or block the old business partner (if possible)
Are there any workarounds?
Technically, it is possible to change the grouping via debugging or manual database changes – for example, with the help of SAP notes such as Note 2570961.
However, these methods are:
- not officially supported by SAP
- associated with a high risk of inconsistencies
- problematic from an audit perspective
Such interventions should only be carried out in exceptional cases and with caution – ideally by experienced SAP consultants.
Result
Changing grouping in SAP S/4HANA is no longer a simple technical process, but a topic of strategic master data maintenance. If you want to work properly, you create business partners directly with the right grouping – and in the event of errors, you can use a new system.
Related Links
- SAP Note 2570961 – Change of grouping in S/4HANA
- SAP Help Portal – Business Partner Concept in S/4HANA
Tip: If an incorrect grouping has been used – don’t mess around for long. Better: create and document new business partners cleanly.
