How To Fix 9J138 - No controlling documents because controlling areas are different

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 9J -

• Message number: 138

• Message text: No controlling documents because controlling areas are different

What causes this issue?

You are attempting to set an indicator for the creation of CO and FI
documents. You cannot do this here because both company codes involved
are assigned to different controlling areas. This means that only FI
documents can be created.

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 9J138 - No controlling documents because controlling areas are different ?

  The SAP error message 9J138, which states "No controlling documents because controlling areas are different," typically occurs when there is an attempt to post or process a transaction that involves multiple controlling areas, which is not allowed in SAP. This error is related to the Controlling (CO) module in SAP, where controlling areas are used to manage costs and financial reporting.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  Different Controlling Areas: The transaction involves cost objects (like cost centers, internal orders, etc.) that belong to different controlling areas. In SAP, each controlling area is a separate entity for cost accounting, and transactions cannot span multiple controlling areas.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be a configuration issue where the controlling area is not correctly assigned to the relevant company codes or cost objects.
  Data Entry Errors: Users may inadvertently select cost objects from different controlling areas during transaction entry.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Controlling Area Assignment:
  
  Verify that all cost objects involved in the transaction belong to the same controlling area. You can do this by checking the master data of the cost centers, internal orders, or any other relevant objects.
  
  
  
  Review Transaction Data:
  
  Ensure that the transaction you are trying to post does not reference multiple controlling areas. If it does, you will need to adjust the transaction to use cost objects from a single controlling area.
  
  
  
  Configuration Review:
  
  If you suspect a configuration issue, check the assignment of company codes to controlling areas in the configuration settings (Transaction Code: SPRO). Ensure that the controlling area is correctly assigned to the relevant company codes.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling controlling areas and related transactions.
  
  
  
  User Training:
  
  If the error is due to user input, consider providing training to users on how to correctly select cost objects and understand the implications of controlling areas.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Controlling Area: A controlling area in SAP is an organizational unit that represents a closed system for cost accounting. It can consist of one or more company codes.
  Cost Objects: These are entities like cost centers, internal orders, and projects that are used to track costs in the controlling module.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KSB1 (Cost Centers: Actual Line Items) or KO03 (Display Internal Order) to analyze the data related to the error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a solution to prevent it from occurring in the future.