How To Fix EB256 - Original invoicing unit could not be created (CA: &1)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EB - IS-U invoicing

• Message number: 256

• Message text: Original invoicing unit could not be created (CA: &1)

What causes this issue?

You have activated the function <LS>Restore Original Invoicing Units</>.
This means that after a print document has been reversed and
billing/invoicing has been executed again, the system tries to group
together the original or subsequent billing documents to create a joint
print document.
This is not possible here for this contract account.

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?

Use the original print document to check whether all the billing
documents or the subsequent billing documents were billed and can be
invoiced.
If all the documents are available and invoicing can still not be
executed, check the following:
The billing periods of the individual billing documents must be the
same as in the original billing documents.
If manual billing documents existed in the original document, they must
also exist in the new one.
If an interim billing document was created but invoiced with the
periodic billing document, both documents may be joined together when
the documents are billed again. The billing process then produces a
document that covers the interim billing and periodic billing period.
This does not correspond to the original invoicing unit.
The number of billing documents must be identical to the original
document.
If you still want to invoice these documents, SAP recommends that you
only activate the restoration of original invoicing units in a mass run.
You can then decide in dialog mode which documents are grouped together.
The settings for <LS>Restore Original Invoicing Units</> in are
stored in Customizing for <ZK>SAP Utilities</> under <ZK>Invoicing ->
Basic Settings -> Define Basic Settings for Invoicing</>.

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 EB256 - Original invoicing unit could not be created (CA: &1) ?

  The SAP error message EB256, which states "Original invoicing unit could not be created (CA: &1)," typically occurs in the context of invoice processing, particularly when dealing with billing documents or invoicing units in the SAP system. This error can arise due to various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding an appropriate solution.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Master Data: The error may occur if the necessary master data (such as customer, material, or pricing information) is incomplete or missing.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration in the billing or invoicing settings can lead to this error. This includes settings related to billing types, document types, or pricing procedures.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to create or modify the invoicing unit.
  Inconsistent Data: There may be inconsistencies in the data being processed, such as mismatched account assignments or incorrect document flow.
  Technical Issues: There could be underlying technical issues, such as problems with the database or application server.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Master Data: Ensure that all relevant master data is complete and correctly maintained. This includes verifying customer and material master records.
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings for billing and invoicing in the SAP system. Ensure that all necessary settings are correctly defined.
  Authorization Check: Verify that the user has the appropriate authorizations to create the invoicing unit. If not, consult with your SAP security team to grant the necessary permissions.
  Data Consistency Check: Review the data being processed for any inconsistencies. This may involve checking the document flow and ensuring that all related documents are correctly linked.
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider using the SAP debugging tools to trace the error and identify the root cause. This may require assistance from a technical consultant.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes or patches that may address this specific error message.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as VF01 (Create Billing Document), VF02 (Change Billing Document), and VF03 (Display Billing Document) to troubleshoot the issue.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights and solutions shared by other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for detailed information on billing processes and error handling.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to escalate the issue to your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.