How To Fix FO071 - Procedure cannot be changed due to existing postings

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FO - Cross-ISPS Functions

• Message number: 071

• Message text: Procedure cannot be changed due to existing postings

What causes this issue?

You want to change the procedure used to deal with revenues increasing
the budget from distribution procedure 2 (totals-based) or call
procedure to distribution procedure 1 (document-based).
However, this change is not permitted as increases have already been
made to the budget.

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?

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 FO071 - Procedure cannot be changed due to existing postings ?

  The SAP error message FO071 ("Procedure cannot be changed due to existing postings") typically occurs in the context of Asset Accounting (FI-AA) when you attempt to change the depreciation procedure for an asset that already has postings. This is a safeguard in SAP to prevent inconsistencies in financial reporting and asset management.
  Cause:
  The error arises because:
  
  The asset has already been posted to, meaning there are financial transactions associated with it.
  Changing the depreciation procedure could affect how these transactions are calculated or reported, leading to potential discrepancies.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Check for Postings: Verify if there are any postings related to the asset. You can do this by reviewing the asset history or transaction logs.
  
  
  Change Procedure for New Assets: If you need to change the depreciation procedure, consider creating a new asset with the desired procedure instead of changing an existing one.
  
  
  Use Asset Reclassification: If applicable, you can reclassify the asset to a new asset number with the desired depreciation procedure. This involves:
  
  Creating a new asset with the correct procedure.
  Transferring the values from the old asset to the new one using the asset transfer process.
  
  
  
  Consult with Finance Team: If you are unsure about the implications of changing the depreciation procedure, consult with your finance or accounting team to understand the impact on financial statements and compliance.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation: Check SAP Notes or the official SAP documentation for any specific guidelines or updates related to this error message.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like AS03 (Display Asset), AS02 (Change Asset), and AS11 (Create Asset) to manage assets.
  Depreciation Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the different depreciation procedures available in your SAP system and their implications on financial reporting.
  Asset Accounting Configuration: Review the configuration settings in Asset Accounting to ensure that the correct procedures are assigned to new assets.
  
  If the issue persists or if you need further assistance, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert.