How To Fix BK255 - Profitability segment cannot be changed by reposting

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 255

• Message text: Profitability segment cannot be changed by reposting

What causes this issue?

You are attempting to repost line items that contain a profitability
segment as the account assignment object. The line item belongs to a
posting that was transferred from contract accounts receivable and
payable to accounting.

System Response

The line item cannot be reposted with reference to the original
document:
When the data is transferred from contract accounts receivable and
payable to financial accounting, the data is summarized across some
characteristics of the profitability segment. However, the items are
transferred to Profitability Analysis in unsummarized form. This means
that the summarized CO line items receive a different profitability
segment than the CO-PA line items. The reposting will therefore be
inconsistent.

How to fix this error?

Reverse the original posting and repost. Or repost without reference to
the original document (<DS:TRAN.KB11N>Reposting of Costs</> or
<DS:TRAN.KB41N>Reposting of Revenues</>).

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BK255 - Profitability segment cannot be changed by reposting ?

  The SAP error message BK255, which states "Profitability segment cannot be changed by reposting," typically occurs in the context of financial postings in SAP, particularly when dealing with Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) and the associated financial documents.
  Cause:
  The error arises when there is an attempt to change the profitability segment of a financial document that has already been posted. In SAP, once a document is posted, certain fields, including the profitability segment, are locked to maintain data integrity and consistency. The profitability segment is a critical piece of information used for reporting and analysis, and changing it post-factum can lead to inconsistencies in financial reporting.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Re-evaluate the Need for Change: Determine if changing the profitability segment is absolutely necessary. If it is not critical, it may be best to leave the document as is.
  
  
  Reverse and Repost: If changing the profitability segment is essential, you may need to reverse the original posting and then create a new posting with the correct profitability segment. This involves:
  
  Reversing the original document (using transaction code FB08 for financial documents).
  Creating a new document with the correct profitability segment.
  
  
  
  Use of Adjustment Documents: In some cases, you may be able to use adjustment documents or other methods to reflect the necessary changes without directly altering the original document.
  
  
  Consult with Finance Team: If you are unsure about the implications of reversing and reposting, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.
  
  
  Check Configuration: If this error occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the configuration settings in your SAP system related to CO-PA and profitability segments to ensure they align with your business processes.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FB08 (Reverse Document), FB01 (Post Document), and KE4S (Repost CO Document).
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation and notes related to CO-PA and profitability segment handling for best practices and guidelines.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform reversals and postings in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the BK255 error effectively while maintaining the integrity of your financial data.