Final answer:
The document that serves as an independent authorization to ship goods in the OE/S process is the Shipping Authorization, distinguishing it from other documents like the Sales Order, Packing Slip, and Bill of Lading.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Order Entry/Sales (OE/S) process, the document that serves as an independent authorization to ship goods to the customer is known as the Shipping Authorization. The Sales Order is the document that details what the customer wants to buy and at what price.
The Packing Slip accompanies the shipment and lists what is in the shipment, while the Bill of Lading serves as a contract between the shipper and carrier detailing the goods being transported, but it is not an authorization to ship. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Shipping Authorization.