How To Fix 0C018 - Process instruction category & is not defined. You cannot reference it

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 0C - Customizing Batch Management

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Process instruction category & is not defined. You cannot reference it

What causes this issue?

When defining a cockpit, you may only <LS>copy</> or <LS>reference</>
process instructions that have been created in the Customizing activity
<DS:TRAN.O12C>Process Instruction Categories</>.
You have, however, attempted to reference a process instruction that
does not exist. This is not permitted.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Delete the <LS>Ref</> indicator.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 0C018 - Process instruction category & is not defined. You cannot reference it ?

  The SAP error message 0C018 indicates that a process instruction category is not defined in the system, which means that the system cannot reference it for the operation you are trying to perform. This error typically occurs in the context of production planning, process orders, or similar functionalities where process instructions are used.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Configuration: The process instruction category you are trying to use has not been defined in the system. This could be due to a missing entry in the configuration settings.
  Incorrect Reference: The process instruction category being referenced may be incorrect or misspelled.
  Transport Issues: If the configuration was recently transported from another system, it may not have been transported correctly or completely.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Define the Process Instruction Category:
  
  Go to the SAP configuration (SPRO) and navigate to the relevant area where process instruction categories are defined.
  Check if the required process instruction category exists. If not, create a new entry for it.
  Ensure that all necessary attributes and settings for the process instruction category are correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Check for Typos:
  
  Verify that the process instruction category you are referencing in your transaction is spelled correctly and matches the defined categories in the system.
  
  
  
  Transport Check:
  
  If the configuration was recently transported, check the transport logs to ensure that the process instruction category was included in the transport request.
  If it was not transported, you may need to manually create it in the target system.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review any relevant SAP documentation or notes related to process instruction categories to ensure you are following the correct procedures.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They may provide additional insights or patches if this is a known issue.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like SPRO for configuration or CO02 for process order management, depending on where the error occurs.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to process instruction categories.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify process instruction categories in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.