How To Fix EK295 - Alternative recipient &1 not characterized in table TE016

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EK - IS-U Accounts Receivable and Payable

• Message number: 295

• Message text: Alternative recipient &1 not characterized in table TE016

What causes this issue?

You have attempted to select a customer payment for an alternate
recipient (charity organization, stock savings plan). However, the
alternate recipient that you specified (business partner &v1&) is not
allocated to a category in Table TE016.

System Response

The system cannot continue processing.

How to fix this error?

Maintain the category for the business partner.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EK295 - Alternative recipient &1 not characterized in table TE016 ?

  The SAP error message EK295, which states "Alternative recipient &1 not characterized in table TE016," typically occurs in the context of purchasing documents, particularly when dealing with alternative recipients for purchase orders or other procurement-related transactions.
  Cause:
  The error indicates that the alternative recipient specified in the transaction is not defined or characterized in the relevant SAP table (TE016). This table is used to store information about alternative recipients, including their characteristics and roles in the procurement process. The absence of the alternative recipient in this table means that the system cannot process the transaction as expected.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Alternative Recipient: Verify that the alternative recipient (the one indicated by &1 in the error message) is correctly entered in the transaction. Ensure that there are no typos or incorrect entries.
  
  
  Maintain the TE016 Table:
  
  You may need to add the alternative recipient to the TE016 table. This can typically be done by a user with the appropriate authorization (usually a configuration or master data role).
  Use transaction code SE11 (Data Dictionary) to view the table TE016.
  If you have the necessary permissions, you can add the missing alternative recipient by using transaction code ME01 (Maintain Vendor Master) or ME02 (Change Vendor Master) depending on your system configuration.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration: Ensure that the configuration for alternative recipients is set up correctly in your SAP system. This may involve checking the relevant customizing settings in the SPRO transaction.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about how to proceed, consult your organization's SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for assistance.
  
  
  Testing: After making the necessary changes, test the transaction again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Table TE016: This table contains the definitions and characteristics of alternative recipients. Understanding its structure can help in troubleshooting.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME01, ME02, and SE11 for managing vendor data and checking table entries.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to master data and configuration settings in SAP.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or functional team for further investigation.