Do you have any question about this error?
Message type: E = Error
Message class: EK - IS-U Accounts Receivable and Payable
Message number: 400
Message text: Enter business area. Business area balance sheet is active
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.
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.
The SAP error message EK400 ("Enter business area. Business area balance sheet is active") typically occurs when you are trying to post a transaction that requires a business area to be specified, but it has not been provided. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where the business area balance sheet is active in your SAP configuration.
Cause:
- Business Area Configuration: The system is configured to require business area information for certain transactions, especially when the business area balance sheet is active.
- Missing Business Area: The transaction you are trying to post does not have a business area specified, which is mandatory in this case.
Solution:
To resolve the EK400 error, you can take the following steps:
Enter Business Area: When posting the transaction, ensure that you enter a valid business area in the relevant field. This is typically done in the line item details of the transaction.
Check Configuration: If you believe that the business area should not be required for the transaction, you may need to check the configuration settings:
- Go to the SAP Customizing Implementation Guide (SPRO).
- Navigate to Financial Accounting (New) > General Ledger Accounting (New) > Business Area > Define Business Area.
- Review the settings to see if the business area balance sheet is indeed active and if it is necessary for your specific transaction type.
Review Document Type: Ensure that the document type you are using allows for business area postings. Some document types may have specific requirements.
User Authorization: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to enter business area information.
Consult with SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting the SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.
Related Information:
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the EK400 error and successfully post your transaction in SAP.
Get instant SAP help. Start your 7-day free trial now.
Feature | Free Access | Free Trial |
---|---|---|
Basic SAP error explanation | ![]() |
![]() |
Step-by-Step Usage Guide | ![]() |
![]() |
Interactive SAP Coach Assistance | ![]() |
![]() |
AI Troubleshooting for T-Code Errors | ![]() |
![]() |
EK384 &1 disconnection orders created for disconnection document &2
Self-Explanatory Message Since SAP believes that this specific error message is ...
EK383 Installment plan &1 deactivated in dunning run &2 &3
What causes this issue? A dunning note for installment plan &V1& was re...
EK401 No business area found for transaction &1 &2
What causes this issue? No business area has been specified in the posting area...
EK404 Business area does not exist
Self-Explanatory Message Since SAP believes that this specific error message is ...
SAP messages fall into 3 different categories: Error messages
(message type = E), Warnings (W) or Informational (I) messages.
An error message will prevent you from continuing your work - it is a hard stop and you need to fix the error before you can proceed. A warning message will stop your work, however, you can then bypass the warning by pressing the Enter key on your keyboard. That said, it is still good practice to investigate the cause of the warning message and address it. An information message will not stop your work and is truly just for informational purposes.
Click on this link to search all SAP messages.