To define a new document type for customer invoices from a non-SAP system, how should the document number range be defined?

When defining a new document type for customer invoices from a non-SAP system, the preferred method for assigning document numbers is to use external number assignment. This approach allows for the integration of invoice numbers from the external system, ensuring that these numbers can be recognized and correlated within SAP.

External number assignment is particularly useful in scenarios where invoices are generated outside of SAP, enabling organizations to maintain continuity in their documentation processes. This means the numbering from the external system can be utilized directly in SAP without the potential for duplication or confusion that might arise with internal numbering. It allows for a seamless transition of data, enhancing traceability and consistency when referencing invoices.

Using internal number assignment would create a separate numbering system managed entirely within SAP, which could lead to discrepancies if there is a need to align records from both the SAP and non-SAP systems. Continuous number assignment serves a different purpose, as it indicates a direct sequence without the possibility of integration with an external system's numbering system. Therefore, external number assignment is the best choice when aligning SAP processes with records from a non-SAP system.