How To Fix E0238 - Partner function is not always required for partner type &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E0 - SAP EDI messages

• Message number: 238

• Message text: Partner function is not always required for partner type &

What causes this issue?

For the partner type used &v1& and transmission medium A (ALE
distribution), a partner function cannot be entered.
For transmission medium 6 (EDI), however, a partner function is
appropriate.

System Response

If you enter a partner function for transmission medium A, the ALE
distribution does not find this partner profile. ALE distribution
expects a blank partner function.

How to fix this error?

For use of transmission medium A, please do not enter a partner
function.
For use of transmission medium 6, you can enter a partner function.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message E0238 - Partner function is not always required for partner type & ?

  The SAP error message E0238, which states "Partner function is not always required for partner type &," typically occurs in the context of partner determination in SAP, particularly when dealing with business partners in sales and distribution (SD), materials management (MM), or other modules that utilize partner functions.
  Cause:
  This error arises when the system expects a partner function to be mandatory for a specific partner type, but the configuration does not align with this expectation. The partner function might be set as optional or not defined correctly in the partner determination procedure. This can happen due to:
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The partner determination procedure may not be set up correctly, leading to inconsistencies in how partner functions are required for different partner types.
  Missing Partner Function: The partner function that is expected for a specific partner type may not be defined in the system.
  Business Process Requirements: The business process may have changed, and the partner functions required are no longer aligned with the current configuration.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the E0238 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Partner Determination Procedure:
  
  Go to the relevant configuration settings for partner determination (e.g., in transaction code SPRO).
  Navigate to the section for Sales and Distribution or the relevant module.
  Review the partner determination procedure assigned to the document type in question (e.g., sales order, delivery).
  Ensure that the partner functions are correctly defined and that the required partner functions for the partner type are set appropriately.
  
  
  
  Adjust Partner Function Settings:
  
  If a partner function is not required, you can change its status from "mandatory" to "optional" in the partner determination procedure.
  If a partner function is missing, you may need to add it to the partner determination procedure.
  
  
  
  Review Business Requirements:
  
  Consult with business stakeholders to confirm the necessary partner functions for the current business processes.
  Adjust the configuration accordingly to meet the business requirements.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, perform tests to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the partner functions behave as expected in the relevant transactions.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like SPRO for configuration, BP for managing business partners, and VD01/VD02 for customer master data to check partner functions.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed guidance on partner determination procedures and partner functions.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to partner determination and the E0238 error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the E0238 error and implement the necessary changes to resolve it.