How To Fix COA501 - Only one target cost version with alternative material costing allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COA - Cost Object Analyzer

• Message number: 501

• Message text: Only one target cost version with alternative material costing allowed

What causes this issue?

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?

If you want to determine the variances for the APO product cost
collector, only one target cost version of those selected can have an
alternative material cost estimate as the comparison object.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COA501 - Only one target cost version with alternative material costing allowed ?

  The SAP error message COA501, which states "Only one target cost version with alternative material costing allowed," typically occurs in the context of controlling and cost accounting within SAP. This error is related to the configuration of target cost versions and the use of alternative material costing.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to create or modify a target cost version that is not compliant with the system's restrictions on alternative material costing. Specifically, SAP allows only one target cost version to be defined for a particular material when alternative costing is in use. If there are multiple target cost versions defined for the same material, or if the system is trying to process a transaction that conflicts with this rule, the error will be triggered.
  Solution:
  To resolve the COA501 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Target Cost Versions:
  
  Go to the relevant transaction (e.g., CK11N for creating a cost estimate) and check the existing target cost versions for the material in question.
  Ensure that there is only one target cost version defined for the material when alternative costing is enabled.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings in the controlling module (CO) to ensure that the settings for alternative material costing are correctly defined.
  You may need to consult with your SAP configuration team to verify that the settings align with your business processes.
  
  
  
  Delete or Adjust Duplicate Versions:
  
  If you find multiple target cost versions for the same material, you may need to delete or adjust them to comply with the restriction.
  Use transaction CK14N to delete or adjust cost estimates as necessary.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to cost accounting and alternative material costing for additional guidance on best practices and configuration.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, test the process again to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CK11N (Create Cost Estimate), CK40N (Change Cost Estimate), and CK14N (Delete Cost Estimate).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional insights or patches that may address the issue.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the appropriate authorizations to view and modify cost estimates and target cost versions.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to engage with your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.