How To Fix BQ036 - Overall release less than distributed release

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BQ - Messages for Budgeting and Planning

• Message number: 036

• Message text: Overall release less than distributed release

What causes this issue?

The overall release for one or more funds center(s)/commitment item(s)
is less than the distributed release.

System Response

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

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 BQ036 - Overall release less than distributed release ?

  The SAP error message BQ036 ("Overall release less than distributed release") typically occurs in the context of the SAP system when there is a mismatch between the overall release status of a document (like a purchase order or a contract) and the distributed release status. This error is often encountered in the release strategy configuration for purchasing documents.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  The overall release status of a document is lower than the distributed release status. This means that the document has not been fully released according to the defined release strategy, but it is being treated as if it has been.
  There may be inconsistencies in the release strategy configuration or the release codes assigned to the users.
  The document may have been partially released, but the system is trying to process it as if it is fully released.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the BQ036 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Release Status:
  
  Go to the document in question (e.g., purchase order) and check its release status. Ensure that it is fully released according to the defined release strategy.
  
  
  
  Review Release Strategy Configuration:
  
  Navigate to the configuration settings for the release strategy in SPRO (SAP Reference IMG).
  Ensure that the release codes, release groups, and release indicators are correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Release the Document:
  
  If the document is not fully released, you may need to release it using the appropriate transaction (e.g., ME29N for purchase orders).
  Ensure that all necessary approvers have completed their part of the release process.
  
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Verify that the users involved in the release process have the necessary authorizations to release the document.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the issue persists, consider debugging the release process to identify any underlying issues in the logic or configuration.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Common transaction codes related to release strategies include ME28 (Release Purchase Orders), ME29N (Release Purchase Orders), and ME51N (Create Purchase Requisition).
  Release Strategy: Understanding how release strategies work in SAP is crucial. They define the process by which documents are approved and released based on certain criteria.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on release strategies and error handling.
  
  If the problem continues after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.