When is an invoice reconciliation document created in SAP Ariba Buying and Invoicing?

An invoice reconciliation document is created in SAP Ariba Buying and Invoicing at the time an invoice is loaded into the system. This is a crucial step in the procurement process as it allows the system to start the verification and comparison process. During this phase, the invoice information is matched against the relevant purchase order and goods receipt to ensure that what has been billed aligns with what was ordered and received. This reconciliation process is essential for maintaining accurate financial and inventory controls.

By generating the reconciliation document upon invoice loading, automated workflows can be initiated, ensuring timely approvals and enhancing efficiency. This approach provides a structured means to handle discrepancies that may arise during the invoice and purchase order matching process, ultimately leading to faster payment cycles and improved vendor relationships.

The other choices do not correspond directly to the timing or context in which the invoice reconciliation document is created. For example, payment approval occurs after the reconciliation process has already taken place, as does vendor information updates, which are not directly tied to invoice reconciliation. Creating a purchase order is a separate step in the procurement lifecycle and happens prior to invoice loading.