How To Fix CRM_ORDER_CUST021 - A valid item category could not be determined

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CRM_ORDER_CUST - Customizing Order (General)

• Message number: 021

• Message text: A valid item category could not be determined

What causes this issue?

The system could not determine a suitable item category for the
transferred transaction context.
Transaction context:
Transaction type &V1&
Item category group &V2&
Material usage &V3&
Item category of superior item &V4&

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?

Check the item category assignment in Customizing.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CRM_ORDER_CUST021 - A valid item category could not be determined ?

  The SAP error message CRM_ORDER_CUST021, which states "A valid item category could not be determined," typically occurs in the context of creating or processing sales orders, service orders, or other related documents in the SAP CRM system. This error indicates that the system is unable to determine a valid item category for the item being processed, which is essential for further processing of the order.
  Causes:
  
  
  Missing Configuration: The item category may not be configured correctly in the system. This can happen if the item category is not defined for the specific order type or if the configuration is incomplete.
  
  
  Incorrect Item Category Determination: The system uses specific rules to determine the item category based on various factors such as the order type, product type, and other attributes. If these rules are not set up correctly, the system may fail to determine a valid item category.
  
  
  Missing Master Data: The relevant master data (like product master, customer master, etc.) may be incomplete or missing, which can prevent the system from determining the correct item category.
  
  
  Custom Development Issues: If there are custom developments or enhancements in the system, they may interfere with the standard item category determination process.
  
  
  Incompatible Item Types: The item type being used may not be compatible with the order type or the overall configuration of the sales process.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Item Category Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in the SAP system (transaction code SPRO).
  Navigate to the relevant area for item category determination and ensure that the item categories are correctly defined for the order type you are working with.
  
  
  
  Review Item Category Determination Rules:
  
  Check the rules for item category determination in the system. Ensure that the necessary conditions are met for the item category to be determined.
  You can use transaction code OVI0 to check the item category determination settings.
  
  
  
  Verify Master Data:
  
  Ensure that all relevant master data is complete and correctly maintained. This includes checking the product master data, customer master data, and any other related data.
  
  
  
  Test with Standard Items:
  
  Try creating an order with standard items that are known to work. This can help isolate whether the issue is with specific items or a broader configuration issue.
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Code:
  
  If there are any custom developments or enhancements, review them to ensure they are not interfering with the standard item category determination process.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SPRO (for configuration), OVI0 (for item category determination), and VA01 (for creating sales orders).
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to item category determination and sales order processing for more detailed guidance.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.