How To Fix BE401 - Item &: cost element & does not agree with the reservation

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BE - General document entry

• Message number: 401

• Message text: Item &: cost element & does not agree with the reservation

What causes this issue?

Item &V1& entered in cost element &V2& must agree with cost element
&V3& in the reservation.

System Response

Processing stopped.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BE401 - Item &: cost element & does not agree with the reservation ?

  The SAP error message BE401 indicates a discrepancy between the cost element specified in a reservation and the cost element that is expected or required for the transaction. This error typically arises during the processing of reservations, particularly in the context of materials management or production planning.
  Cause:
  
  Cost Element Mismatch: The cost element defined in the reservation does not match the cost element that is configured in the system for the relevant account assignment.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the controlling area or the cost element accounting settings.
  Data Entry Errors: Incorrect data entry when creating or modifying the reservation can lead to this error.
  Master Data Issues: The material master or other related master data may not be set up correctly, leading to inconsistencies.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Reservation Details: Review the reservation to ensure that the cost element is correctly specified. You can do this by navigating to the reservation document and checking the account assignment details.
  Verify Cost Element Configuration: Ensure that the cost element used in the reservation is correctly configured in the system. This includes checking the cost element master data and its assignment to the relevant cost centers or internal orders.
  Correct Data Entry: If the error is due to incorrect data entry, correct the reservation by updating the cost element to match the expected value.
  Review Master Data: Check the material master and other related master data for any inconsistencies or errors that could be causing the mismatch.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the error message and its resolution.
  Contact Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like MB21 (Create Reservation) or MB22 (Change Reservation) to manage reservations.
  Cost Element Accounting: Familiarize yourself with the configuration of cost elements in the SAP system, which can be accessed through transaction code KA01 (Create Cost Element) or KA02 (Change Cost Element).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the BE401 error message in SAP.