How To Fix FRMLAPI285 - The preferred recipe for & is ambiguous

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FRMLAPI - RMS-FRM: API Messages for Formula

• Message number: 285

• Message text: The preferred recipe for & is ambiguous

What causes this issue?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

The system uses the first preferred recipe for exploding the component.

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 FRMLAPI285 - The preferred recipe for & is ambiguous ?

  The SAP error message FRMLAPI285, which states "The preferred recipe for & is ambiguous," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Recipe Management or Process Management modules. This error indicates that the system has found multiple recipes that could be considered "preferred" for a given material or product, leading to ambiguity in determining which recipe to use.
  Cause:
  
  
  Multiple Preferred Recipes: The most common cause of this error is that there are multiple recipes marked as "preferred" for the same material. This can happen if the configuration of recipes is not properly managed or if multiple users have set different recipes as preferred without proper coordination.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues in the configuration of the recipe management settings, leading to the system not being able to determine a single preferred recipe.
  
  
  Data Inconsistencies: Inconsistencies in the master data or recipe data can also lead to this error. For example, if the recipes are not correctly linked to the materials or if there are discrepancies in the recipe versions.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Review Recipes: Check the recipes associated with the material in question. Identify all the recipes that are marked as preferred and determine which one should be the actual preferred recipe.
  
  
  Set a Single Preferred Recipe: If multiple recipes are marked as preferred, decide on one recipe to be the preferred one and update the settings accordingly. This can usually be done in the recipe management transaction (e.g., using transaction codes like C201 or C202).
  
  
  Data Cleanup: Ensure that there are no duplicate or conflicting entries in the recipe data. Clean up any inconsistencies in the master data that may be causing the ambiguity.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific instructions on managing recipes and resolving ambiguities.
  
  
  User Training: If the issue is recurring due to user error, consider providing training to users on how to properly manage recipes and set preferences.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as C201 (Create Recipe), C202 (Change Recipe), and C203 (Display Recipe) to manage recipes effectively.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to recipe management that might address this error.
  Support: If the issue persists after attempting the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the FRMLAPI285 error and ensure that the system can correctly identify the preferred recipe for the material in question.