How To Fix APPL_MM_PUR_PO017 - You are not authorized to update the header data of the purchase order

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: APPL_MM_PUR_PO - Message Class for Purchase Order

• Message number: 017

• Message text: You are not authorized to update the header data of the purchase order

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message APPL_MM_PUR_PO017 - You are not authorized to update the header data of the purchase order ?

  The SAP error message APPL_MM_PUR_PO017 indicates that a user is attempting to update the header data of a purchase order (PO) but does not have the necessary authorization to perform this action. This is a common issue in SAP systems where user roles and authorizations are strictly managed to ensure data integrity and security.
  Cause:
  
  Authorization Issues: The user does not have the required authorization object to modify the purchase order header data. This could be due to missing roles or insufficient permissions assigned to the user.
  Role Configuration: The roles assigned to the user may not include the necessary authorizations for the specific transaction or action being attempted.
  Transaction Code Restrictions: Certain transaction codes may have restrictions based on user roles, preventing unauthorized changes to critical data.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Use transaction code SU53 immediately after the error occurs to check the authorization failure. This will show which authorization object is missing.
  Alternatively, you can use transaction code SU01 to view the user’s roles and authorizations.
  
  
  
  Review and Update Roles:
  
  If you have the necessary permissions, review the roles assigned to the user in transaction PFCG.
  Ensure that the roles include the necessary authorization objects for purchase order management, such as M_BEST_BSA (Purchase Order: Authorization for Document Type) and M_BEST_EKO (Purchase Order: Authorization for Vendor).
  
  
  
  Request Role Changes:
  
  If you do not have the necessary permissions to change roles, contact your SAP security administrator or the person responsible for user management in your organization. Provide them with the details of the error and the required authorizations.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After the necessary changes have been made, ask the user to log out and log back in to ensure that the new authorizations take effect.
  Test the transaction again to confirm that the issue has been resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Authorization Objects: Familiarize yourself with the relevant authorization objects related to purchase orders in SAP MM (Materials Management).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to authorization issues in purchase order processing, as they may provide additional insights or solutions.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on user roles and authorizations to understand how to manage and troubleshoot authorization issues effectively.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the authorization issue related to the error message APPL_MM_PUR_PO017.