How To Fix E0416 - Partner serves as template - only active partners can be used

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E0 - SAP EDI messages

• Message number: 416

• Message text: Partner serves as template - only active partners can be used

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message E0416 - Partner serves as template - only active partners can be used ?

  The SAP error message E0416, "Partner serves as template - only active partners can be used," typically occurs in scenarios where a partner function is being defined or used in a business transaction, but the partner being referenced is not active. This error is common in modules like Sales and Distribution (SD) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) where partner functions are crucial for processing transactions.
  Cause:
  
  Inactive Partner: The partner (customer, vendor, etc.) you are trying to use is not marked as active in the system. This could be due to various reasons, such as the partner being deactivated or not properly set up.
  Template Partner: The partner you are trying to use is set as a template partner, which means it cannot be used in the current context unless it is active.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of partner functions in the relevant module, leading to the system not recognizing the partner as valid.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Partner Status:
  
  Go to the relevant transaction (e.g., XD03 for customers, MK03 for vendors) and check the status of the partner. Ensure that the partner is marked as active.
  If the partner is inactive, you may need to reactivate it.
  
  
  
  Review Partner Functions:
  
  Ensure that the partner function you are trying to use is correctly configured in the partner determination procedure.
  Check if the partner function is set to allow inactive partners or if it requires active partners only.
  
  
  
  Update Partner Data:
  
  If the partner is a template, consider creating a new active partner based on the template or updating the existing partner to ensure it meets the active criteria.
  
  
  
  Consult Configuration:
  
  If you have access to the configuration settings, review the partner determination settings in the relevant module (e.g., SPRO transaction) to ensure that the settings align with your business requirements.
  
  
  
  Check for Customizations:
  
  If your SAP system has custom developments or enhancements, check if any custom logic is affecting partner determination.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like XD03, VD03, MK03, and BP (Business Partner) for checking partner details.
  Partner Determination Procedure: Understand how partner determination procedures work in your specific SAP module, as they dictate how partners are selected and validated.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message, as there may be updates or fixes provided by SAP.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP documentation for further troubleshooting.