Which document type in SAP Materials Management triggers automatic sourcing for externally procured materials?

The correct choice, which indicates that a Purchase Requisition triggers automatic sourcing for externally procured materials, aligns well with the fundamental processes within SAP Materials Management. A Purchase Requisition is an internal document generated to request the procurement of goods or services. When a Purchase Requisition is created, it serves as a formal request that triggers the sourcing process.

Automatic sourcing occurs when the system searches for suitable suppliers based on the criteria defined in the Purchase Requisition, including material specifications, delivery dates, and sourcing strategies. This automated process helps streamline procurement operations, ensuring that requisitions are fulfilled efficiently and suppliers are identified based on predetermined parameters.

In comparison, while Purchase Orders, Contracts, and Quotations are also integral to the procurement process, they operate under different contexts. Purchase Orders are typically used to confirm transactions with suppliers after sourcing has already been completed. Contracts formalize agreements with suppliers, often enabling better pricing terms, but they do not initiate the sourcing process. Quotations provide pricing from suppliers but are usually generated in response to a specific request rather than causing the sourcing event themselves.

This distinction emphasizes the critical role that Purchase Requisitions play in kick-starting the sourcing process within SAP's procurement framework.