How To Fix FH222 - Cost element category must not be changed for secondary cost elements

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FH - General ledger module messages

• Message number: 222

• Message text: Cost element category must not be changed for secondary cost elements

What causes this issue?

You have tried to change the cost element category for a secondary cost
element although postings already exist for it. An error message is
displayed because this may lead to inconsistencies in CO processes (in
particular with the cumulative assessment).

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?

You can only save if you do not change the cost element category.
INCLUDE 'CUSTOMIZED_MESSAGE_INFO' OBJECT DOKU ID TX
Deactivating the message (category "-") suppresses the check itself,
which also improves performance.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FH222 - Cost element category must not be changed for secondary cost elements ?

  The SAP error message FH222 indicates that there is an attempt to change the cost element category for a secondary cost element, which is not allowed in the SAP system. Secondary cost elements are used for internal cost allocation and do not have a direct impact on financial accounting, unlike primary cost elements, which are linked to general ledger accounts.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  A user tries to change the cost element category of a secondary cost element in the system.
  The system enforces rules that prevent changes to the cost element category for secondary cost elements to maintain data integrity and consistency in cost accounting.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Do Not Change Cost Element Category: If you are trying to change the cost element category of a secondary cost element, refrain from doing so. Understand that secondary cost elements are predefined and should not be altered.
  
  
  Create a New Secondary Cost Element: If you need a secondary cost element with a different category, create a new secondary cost element instead of trying to modify an existing one. Ensure that you assign the correct cost element category during the creation process.
  
  
  Review Configuration: If you believe that the cost element category needs to be changed for a valid reason, review the configuration settings in the SAP system. Consult with your SAP FI/CO consultant or system administrator to understand the implications of such changes.
  
  
  Check Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more information on cost element categories and their intended use.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might provide additional insights or updates regarding this error message.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Cost Element Categories: Understand the different categories of cost elements in SAP, such as primary and secondary cost elements, and their respective roles in financial and controlling modules.
  SAP FI/CO Module: Familiarize yourself with the functionalities of the Financial Accounting (FI) and Controlling (CO) modules in SAP, as they are closely related to cost element management.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that users have the appropriate roles and authorizations to create or modify cost elements in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the FH222 error and ensure proper management of cost elements in your SAP system.