How To Fix CO234 - Branch operation no. must be smaller than return operation no.


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: CO - PPC order processing messages

  • Message number: 234

  • Message text: Branch operation no. must be smaller than return operation no.

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  • 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.



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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CO234 - Branch operation no. must be smaller than return operation no. ?

    The SAP error message CO234 ("Branch operation no. must be smaller than return operation no.") typically occurs in the context of production order processing or routing in SAP. This error indicates that there is an issue with the sequence of operations defined in a routing or production order. Specifically, it means that the branch operation number is not correctly defined in relation to the return operation number.

    Cause:

    1. Incorrect Operation Sequence: The operation numbers in the routing or production order are not in the correct sequence. The branch operation number should always be less than the return operation number.
    2. Routing Configuration Issues: There may be a misconfiguration in the routing setup, where the operations are not defined properly.
    3. Manual Entry Errors: If operations were manually entered or modified, there may have been a mistake in the numbering.

    Solution:

    1. Check Routing/Production Order:

      • Go to the routing or production order in question.
      • Review the operation numbers and ensure that the branch operation number is less than the return operation number.
      • Adjust the operation numbers if necessary to maintain the correct sequence.
    2. Modify Routing:

      • If the routing is incorrect, you may need to modify it. Use transaction codes like CA01 (Create Routing) or CA02 (Change Routing) to make the necessary adjustments.
    3. Validate Changes:

      • After making changes, validate the routing or production order to ensure that the error is resolved.
      • You can use transaction CO02 (Change Production Order) to check if the error persists.
    4. Consult Documentation:

      • If you are unsure about the correct operation sequence, refer to SAP documentation or consult with a colleague who has experience with routing and production orders.
    5. Testing:

      • After making the necessary changes, perform a test run to ensure that the production order processes correctly without triggering the error.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes:

      • CA01: Create Routing
      • CA02: Change Routing
      • CO01: Create Production Order
      • CO02: Change Production Order
      • CO03: Display Production Order
    • SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.

    • User Roles: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to make changes to routings and production orders.

    • Training: If you frequently encounter this error, consider additional training on SAP production planning and routing to better understand the configuration and operation sequences.

    By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CO234 error and ensure that your production orders and routings are correctly configured.

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