How To Fix 5A199 - Specify a valid cost center

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5A - Basis Personnel Management

• Message number: 199

• Message text: Specify a valid cost center

What causes this issue?

You are attempting to include a cost center in a structure by means of
a relationship. This cost center is assigned to a certain controlling
area. However, the structure also contains personnel numbers that
belong to another controlling area.
Your transaction would involve a transfer of these persons.
This is only possible using HR Master Data transactions, it is not
possible from Personnel Planning.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5A199 - Specify a valid cost center ?

  The SAP error message 5A199 ("Specify a valid cost center") typically occurs when a user attempts to post a transaction that requires a cost center, but the specified cost center is either invalid, does not exist, or is not active in the system. This error is common in various SAP modules, particularly in Financial Accounting (FI) and Controlling (CO).
  Causes:
  
  Invalid Cost Center: The cost center entered does not exist in the system.
  Inactive Cost Center: The cost center may exist but is marked as inactive or has been deleted.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access the specified cost center.
  Incorrect Configuration: The cost center may not be properly configured in the controlling area or may not be assigned to the relevant company code.
  Data Entry Errors: There may be typographical errors in the cost center code entered.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Verify Cost Center:
  
  Check if the cost center exists in the system by using transaction code KS03 (Display Cost Center).
  Ensure that the cost center is active and assigned to the correct controlling area.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the cost center. This can be checked with the help of a security administrator.
  
  
  
  Correct Data Entry:
  
  Double-check the cost center code for any typographical errors. Ensure that the correct format is used.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  If the cost center is supposed to be valid, review the configuration settings in the controlling area to ensure that it is properly set up and assigned to the relevant company code.
  
  
  
  Consult with Finance Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the validity of the cost center or its configuration, consult with your finance or controlling team for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  KS01: Create Cost Center
  KS02: Change Cost Center
  KS03: Display Cost Center
  KSB1: Cost Centers: Actual Line Items
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on cost center accounting and related transactions.
  Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement the necessary solutions to resolve it.