How To Fix CO538 - Planned order & has two different controlling areas

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CO - PPC order processing messages

• Message number: 538

• Message text: Planned order & has two different controlling areas

What causes this issue?

The planned order contains two different plants (planning- and
production plant). These plants refer via the company codes assigned to
them to two different controlling areas.

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?

A planned order that refers to two different controlling areas
cannot, in principle, be converted to a production order.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CO538 - Planned order & has two different controlling areas ?

  The SAP error message CO538 indicates that a planned order is associated with two different controlling areas, which is not allowed in SAP. This typically occurs when there is a mismatch in the controlling area assignment for the materials or production orders involved.
  Cause:
  
  Different Controlling Areas: The planned order is linked to materials or production resources that belong to different controlling areas. This can happen if the materials are created or maintained in different company codes that have different controlling areas.
  Master Data Configuration: The material master data or the production resources (like work centers) may be set up in such a way that they reference different controlling areas.
  Cross-Company Code Transactions: If the planned order is created in one company code and references materials or resources in another company code with a different controlling area, this error can occur.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Controlling Area Assignment: Verify the controlling area assignments for the materials and production resources involved in the planned order. Ensure that they all belong to the same controlling area.
  Adjust Master Data: If necessary, adjust the master data for the materials or production resources to ensure they are assigned to the same controlling area.
  Create Planned Order in Correct Context: If the planned order needs to reference materials or resources from different controlling areas, consider creating separate planned orders for each controlling area.
  Consult with Finance/Controlling Team: If you are unsure about the controlling area assignments or how to proceed, consult with your finance or controlling team to ensure compliance with organizational policies.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material), CO01 (Create Production Order), or CO02 (Change Production Order) to check the details of the materials and orders involved.
  Controlling Area Configuration: Review the configuration of controlling areas in the SAP system to ensure they are set up correctly. This can be done through transaction code OKKP.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for more detailed information on controlling areas and planned orders.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the error and ensuring that all relevant master data is aligned with the same controlling area, you should be able to resolve the CO538 error.