How To Fix FH401 - Specify either customer or vendor

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FH - General ledger module messages

• Message number: 401

• Message text: Specify either customer or vendor

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FH401 - Specify either customer or vendor ?

  The SAP error message FH401 ("Specify either customer or vendor") typically occurs in the context of financial transactions, particularly when dealing with accounts payable or accounts receivable. This error indicates that the system requires you to specify either a customer or a vendor in the transaction you are trying to process, but neither has been provided.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Information: The transaction you are attempting to execute does not have a customer or vendor specified. This could happen if the relevant fields are left blank.
  Incorrect Transaction Type: The transaction type you are using may require a customer or vendor to be specified, but the system is unable to determine which one is applicable.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that are not set up correctly, leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input Fields: Ensure that you have filled in the necessary fields for either a customer or a vendor in the transaction screen. Look for fields labeled "Customer" or "Vendor" and make sure they are populated.
  Review Transaction Type: Verify that you are using the correct transaction type that corresponds to the business process you are trying to execute. If you are processing a payment, ensure that you are using the appropriate payment method that requires a customer or vendor.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or user manuals for the specific transaction you are working with to understand the requirements for customer or vendor specification.
  Check Configuration: If you have access to configuration settings, check the relevant settings in the Financial Accounting (FI) module to ensure that the system is set up to recognize customers and vendors correctly.
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with the relevant transaction codes (e.g., FB60 for vendor invoices, FB70 for customer invoices) to ensure you are using the correct ones.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that your user role has the necessary permissions to access customer and vendor data.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message, as there may be updates or fixes available.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the FH401 error and implement a solution to resolve it.