What is one of the main purposes of the source list in SAP S/4HANA?

The main purpose of the source list in SAP S/4HANA is to control supplier selection for purchase orders. The source list serves as a centralized record that specifies approved suppliers for a given material or service. It outlines which vendors can supply specific items, along with the validity periods for these authorizations. This ensures that procurement teams have clarity on preferred suppliers and can make informed purchasing decisions aligned with company policies.

By maintaining a source list, organizations benefit from standardized supplier selection, which can lead to better pricing, improved quality, and enhanced relationship management with preferred vendors. It also helps in minimizing the risk of procurement from unapproved suppliers, thus ensuring compliance and quality in the sourcing process.

While other options may touch on aspects of procurement and supply chain management, they do not accurately represent the primary function of the source list. For instance, stock level management, invoice processing, and product catalog visibility are managed through other functionalities within SAP, but the source list specifically focuses on controlling supplier relationships and selections.