SAP BNL - Enabling Dock Appointment Scheduling for Guest Users

[justyna]

SAP Business Network for Logistics enables Dock Appointment Scheduling with carriers who are not onboarded as business partners. Guest user can log in using the guest URL and can assign executing carrier or can book an appointment.

In General Setting in Shipper tenant you can define the type of URL you want to send to the guest carrier user.

In the General Settings app, in the Define Appointment and Dispute Settings tab, you can choose the Guest User Access button.

Types of URL

• Dynamic URL

When you select this option, the system sends an e-mail with URL to the carrier which is specific to the document for dock appointment scheduling. The carrier can enter the document reference to view the document.

• Static URL

When you select this option, the system sends a URL to the carrier which is generic.
My and SAP recommendation is to select the dynamic URL by default. As with the static URL, anyone can access the documents.

 

Ragarding the appointment API implementation, please check the Guest User Access section in Provider API for Dock Appointment Scheduling (sap.com).

 

Now I will show what are the steps of making appointments in SAP Business Network for Logistics with Guest User Access.

Step 1 SAP Business Network for Logistics sends e-mail with URL

Choose 'Go to the Appointment'



 

Step 2 Enter the Reference Document number

Note: In your document there might be multiple references (e.g. Freight Order, Sales Order, Outbound Delivery or some internal reference number). To access Dock Appointment Scheduling, User needs to put at least one. Freight Order should be entered in Transportation Order field.

 

Step 3 Make an appointment

Choose Point, Date and Time of the slot and click 'Save'

 

You can also see details of the order in other tabs:

General Information, Reference Documents and Cargo

 

User can also add Notes and Attachments which will be visible for Warehouse operator in SAP LBN:

Notes and Attachments

 

Other scenario: Adding execution carrier in the guest user UI.

Provide Carrier name and e-mail address who should make an appointment:

 

Provided user receives mail with URL:

 

After providing Reference Document number, carrier can see additionally Carrier Details:

 

Final remarks:

Whole process of making appointments by Guest Users is very simple and the only difference is that carrier log in to SAP LBN with URL received by email. User can access SAP LBN with the URL multiple times, to for example change the appointment for different date or time.

Note that with Dynamic URL every Order has separate link for Dock Appointment Scheduling. It is impossible to use the same URL for different Orders.

 

To see more information about SAP Business Network for Logistics Freight Collaboration I encourage you to visit: SAP Logistics Business Network, freight collaboration option | SAP Help Portal

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Please share your opinion in the comments section.

[DominikTylczyn]

Good one!!!

[justyna]

Thank you!

[former_member848700]

Really interesting!

Congrats Justyna!

[Private_Member_649709]

Very informative!

[justyna]

Thank you!

[former_member752359]

Very helpful !

[justyna]

Thank you! I encourage to check my other blog posts about SAP BNL (AKA LBN).

[former_member831822]

Very useful information.

[Simone_]

Dear Justyna,

sometimes forwarders want to book preliminary slots.

Is it also possible for a (guest) user to book an appointment without referring to a Freight Order No, just entering a reference like Sales Order No. etc. ?

[skalmantas0]

Hello, juschm

I feel like an important step is missing before the step 1. As SAP documentation is vague about guest users, and non-existent in the administration guide, how we should be able to send out this invitation email?

Should it be enough to add new BP in the Freight Order and invitation email will be sent out? In that cases an error is raised as there is no LBN ID maintained.

Thanks for insights and the guide