How To Fix 26196 - You must set an audit indicator and lock status for digital signature

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 26 - Dokumentenverwaltung

• Message number: 196

• Message text: You must set an audit indicator and lock status for digital signature

What causes this issue?

You cannot enter a digital signature for the document status you
selected, because the settings in Customizing are incomplete.

System Response

The following data must be set for the document status in Customizing:
Indicator: <DS:DE.AUDIT>Audit for originals</>
<DS:DE.DOSAR>Status type</> <ZH>Lock status</>

How to fix this error?

To display and change the settings:
RESET N1
In Customizing for the <ZH>Document Management System</>, choose
<DS:SIMG.SIMG_VC_DVS10>Define Document Types</>.
Select the document type you are using and choose <LS>Define Document
Statuses</>.
Select the status and choose <LS>Detail</>.
Enter the following data:
Indicator: <DS:DE.AUDIT>Audit for originals</>
<DS:DE.DOSAR>Status type</> <ZH>Lock status</>

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 26196 - You must set an audit indicator and lock status for digital signature ?

  The SAP error message 26196, which states "You must set an audit indicator and lock status for digital signature," typically occurs in the context of using digital signatures in SAP systems. This error indicates that certain required settings related to the digital signature process have not been configured properly.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one or more of the following reasons:
  
  Missing Audit Indicator: The system requires an audit indicator to be set for the document or transaction that is being processed. This indicator is used to determine how the digital signature should be handled in terms of auditing.
  Missing Lock Status: The lock status indicates whether the document can be modified after it has been signed. If this status is not set, the system will not allow the digital signature process to proceed.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the digital signature settings in the SAP system, which could include missing or incorrect settings in the relevant customizing transactions.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Set Audit Indicator:
  
  Navigate to the relevant configuration settings in SAP where you can define the audit indicators for digital signatures.
  Ensure that an appropriate audit indicator is selected for the document type or transaction you are working with.
  
  
  
  Set Lock Status:
  
  Similarly, check the configuration for the lock status related to digital signatures.
  Make sure that a lock status is defined, indicating whether the document can be edited after signing.
  
  
  
  Check Customizing Settings:
  
  Go to the transaction code SPRO (SAP Project Reference Object) and navigate to the relevant section for digital signatures.
  Review the settings under "Cross-Application Components" > "Digital Signatures" to ensure that all necessary configurations are in place.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for detailed guidance on configuring digital signatures and the specific requirements for audit indicators and lock statuses.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the process again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SPRO (for configuration), and possibly others related to document management or digital signatures.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to digital signatures and error message 26196, as there may be specific patches or updates that address known issues.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that the user attempting to perform the action has the necessary authorizations to set audit indicators and lock statuses.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or security team, or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.