How To Fix GM041 - Cost element & is not primary

GM041 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GM - Combination manager

• Message number: 041

• Message text: Cost element & is not primary

What causes this issue?

You want to process cost element &V1&. However, you can only process
primary cost or revenue elements for the activities
periodic transfer
actual/planned distribution
primary cost/revenue planning

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?

The system does not recognize the cost element type for this cost
element. Please check the cost element type for cost element &V1&.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GM041 - Cost element & is not primary ?

  The SAP error message GM041, which states "Cost element & is not primary," typically occurs in the context of the SAP Controlling (CO) module, particularly when dealing with cost elements in the context of budget management or internal orders. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  
  Cause:
  
  
  Cost Element Type: The error indicates that the cost element you are trying to use is not a primary cost element. In SAP, cost elements are classified into two main types:
  
  Primary Cost Elements: These are used to represent costs that are directly posted to the financial accounting (FI) and controlling (CO) modules. They are linked to accounts in the general ledger.
  Secondary Cost Elements: These are used for internal cost allocations and do not have a direct link to the general ledger.
  
  
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The cost element may have been incorrectly configured in the system, or you may be trying to use a