In SAP S/4HANA (2026), transaction Create Sample Inventory supports sample-based physical inventory for large or high-volume stocks. You count a representative sample of items, then use statistical extrapolation of those results to estimate the total inventory instead of counting every unit.
Prerequisites and setup
Before using Create Sample Inventory, you must define the parameters that govern the sampling logic.
- Inventory sampling profile: You create the profile by navigating to SPRO→Materials Management→Inventory Management and Physical Inventory→Physical Inventory for Special Stocks→Set Up Stock Determination. This profile specifies the currency for calculations, the probability of error allowed, and whether the sampling is for Materials Management (MM) or Warehouse Management (WM).
- Stock population: You must define the group of materials (stock management units) that will be sampled.
Process steps
Let's walk through how to create a sample inventory, step by step.
Choose SAP Easy Access→Logistics > Materials Management→Physical Inventory→Inventory Sampling→Create.
- Fill in header details: company code, plant, storage location.
- Define selection criteria: specific materials, material groups, bins.
- Choose the sampling method and size (for example, random or stratified, percent or fixed count).
- Run the selection and review the candidate list; adjust filters if needed.
- Create the sample documents and note their numbers.
- Distribute the documents: print, export to handheld devices, or send to the SAP Fiori counting app.
- Assign counters and record the responsible persons for each sampled item or area.
- Save and verify number-range allocation so document numbers are correct and not near their limit.
- Monitor completion, collect count results, and link outcomes to the physical inventory process for recounts or postings.