How To Fix 5W549 - Caution! indirect user assignments have not been reconciled

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5W - Messages for PD (Particularly Workflow)

• Message number: 549

• Message text: Caution! indirect user assignments have not been reconciled

What causes this issue?

You have created indirect user assignments to a role using, for
example, positions, jobs, or organizational units.
However, only the assignments to users are relevant to the assignment
of authorizations.
The complex time dependencies within Organizational Management mean
that these indirect assignments must be reconciled with the role. In
other words, the indirect assignments that are currently valid are
stored for the role.
To ensure that indirect assignments are always up-to-date, you should
perform this reconciliation every day, preferably using a batch report
(see transaction PFUD).

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?

If you want to perform an immediate reconciliation, access the
maintenance screen for Organizational Management assignments and choose
"Reconcile".

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5W549 - Caution! indirect user assignments have not been reconciled ?

  The SAP error message 5W549, which states "Caution! Indirect user assignments have not been reconciled," typically relates to user management and authorization issues within the SAP system. This message indicates that there are indirect user assignments (such as roles or profiles assigned to users) that have not been properly reconciled or reviewed, which can lead to potential security risks or compliance issues.
  Cause:
  
  Indirect User Assignments: This occurs when users are assigned roles or authorizations indirectly through organizational units, positions, or other means, and these assignments have not been reviewed or reconciled.
  Lack of Reconciliation: The system may require periodic reconciliation of user roles and authorizations to ensure that users have the appropriate access rights based on their current job functions.
  Changes in User Roles: If there have been changes in the organizational structure or user roles, the indirect assignments may not reflect the current state, leading to discrepancies.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Reconcile User Assignments:
  
  Use transaction codes like SUIM (User Information System) to review user assignments and roles.
  Check for any discrepancies in user roles and ensure that they align with the current organizational structure.
  Perform a reconciliation process to ensure that all indirect assignments are valid and necessary.
  
  
  
  Review Authorization Roles:
  
  Review the roles assigned to users and ensure that they are appropriate for their current job functions.
  Remove any unnecessary roles or authorizations that may pose a security risk.
  
  
  
  Implement Regular Audits:
  
  Establish a regular audit process for user roles and authorizations to ensure ongoing compliance and security.
  Use tools like GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) to automate and streamline the reconciliation process.
  
  
  
  Training and Awareness:
  
  Provide training to administrators and users on the importance of managing user roles and authorizations effectively.
  Ensure that there is awareness of the implications of indirect user assignments.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its documentation and provides solutions for known issues.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation on user management and authorization concepts to better understand how to manage user roles effectively.
  Security Compliance: Ensure that your organization adheres to security compliance standards, which may require regular reviews of user access and roles.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing a structured approach to user role management, you can resolve the error message 5W549 and enhance the security and compliance of your SAP system.