How To Fix BK196 - Document to be reversed has a reference to another document.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BK - Create, Display, Reverse Controlling Document

• Message number: 196

• Message text: Document to be reversed has a reference to another document.

What causes this issue?

You want to cancel a document. However, the document appeared in the
R/3 System with an external reference.

How to fix this error?

If necessary, you must cancel the original document as well.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BK196 - Document to be reversed has a reference to another document. ?

  The SAP error message BK196 ("Document to be reversed has a reference to another document") typically occurs when you attempt to reverse a financial document that is linked to another document. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when a document is part of a clearing process, or when it has been referenced in a subsequent transaction.
  Cause:
  
  Document Linking: The document you are trying to reverse is linked to another document (e.g., a payment document, invoice, or clearing document).
  Clearing Transactions: If the document is part of a clearing transaction, it cannot be reversed directly without addressing the clearing first.
  Subsequent Documents: If there are subsequent documents that depend on the document you are trying to reverse, SAP will prevent the reversal to maintain data integrity.
  
  Solution:
  
  Identify Linked Documents: Check the document flow to identify any documents that are linked to the one you are trying to reverse. You can do this by using transaction codes like FB03 (Display Document) to view the document and its references.
  Reverse Linked Documents: If there are linked documents, you may need to reverse those first before you can reverse the original document.
  Use Clearing Transactions: If the document is part of a clearing, you may need to clear the related documents first. Use transaction codes like F-32 (Clear Customer) or F-44 (Clear Vendor) as appropriate.
  Consult with Finance Team: If you are unsure about the implications of reversing documents, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure that you are following the correct procedures.
  Use Transaction FB08: If the document is not linked to any subsequent documents that need to be reversed, you can try using transaction FB08 (Reverse Document) again after addressing any linked documents.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Document Flow: Understanding the document flow in SAP is crucial. You can view the document flow by navigating to the document in question and checking the "Document Flow" option.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FB03 (Display Document), FB08 (Reverse Document), F-32 (Clear Customer), and F-44 (Clear Vendor).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific issues or patches related to this error message, as there may be updates or fixes provided by SAP.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform reversals and view linked documents.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BK196 error and successfully reverse the document if appropriate.