How To Fix COM_PRODUCT823 - Specifying a reference product is only allowed for individual objects

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_PRODUCT - General Messages on Products

• Message number: 823

• Message text: Specifying a reference product is only allowed for individual objects

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COM_PRODUCT823 - Specifying a reference product is only allowed for individual objects ?

  The SAP error message COM_PRODUCT823 indicates that there is an issue with specifying a reference product in a context where it is not allowed. This typically occurs in the context of product master data management, particularly when dealing with product hierarchies or product relationships in SAP's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) modules.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to assign a reference product to a group of products or a product hierarchy instead of an individual product. In SAP, reference products are meant to be linked to individual products to inherit certain attributes or characteristics, and not to groups or collections of products.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should ensure that you are specifying the reference product for an individual product rather than a group or hierarchy. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Check the Context: Ensure that you are in the correct transaction or screen where you can specify a reference product for an individual product.
  
  
  Select Individual Product: If you are trying to assign a reference product, make sure you are selecting an individual product from the product master data rather than a group or category.
  
  
  Review Product Hierarchy: If you are working with product hierarchies, ensure that you are not trying to assign a reference product at the hierarchy level. Reference products should only be assigned at the individual product level.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on how to manage reference products and product hierarchies.
  
  
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to product master data.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional context.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes (e.g., MM01 for creating materials, MM02 for changing materials) that may be involved in managing product data.
  Training: Consider training sessions or workshops on SAP product master data management to better understand how to handle reference products and hierarchies.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the COM_PRODUCT823 error and successfully manage your product data in SAP.