How To Fix GP357 - Distribution key & is not a valid reference

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GP - FI-SL and CO planning

• Message number: 357

• Message text: Distribution key & is not a valid reference

What causes this issue?

You can only refer to one of the following standard distribution keys:
0 Manual distribution
1 Equal distribution
2 Analog distribution
3 Percentage distribution
4 Distribution of values to subsequent periods
5 Copying values to subsequent empty periods
6 Carrying forward single values
7 Distribution according to the number of days per period

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GP357 - Distribution key & is not a valid reference ?

  The SAP error message GP357, which states "Distribution key & is not a valid reference," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Human Capital Management (HCM) module, particularly when dealing with payroll or personnel administration. This error indicates that the system is unable to recognize the distribution key specified in the transaction or process you are attempting to execute.
  Causes:
  
  Invalid Distribution Key: The distribution key you are trying to use may not exist in the system or may have been deleted or deactivated.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the payroll or personnel administration settings that are causing the distribution key to be unrecognized.
  Data Entry Errors: There could be a typographical error in the distribution key entered in the transaction.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the distribution key.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Verify the Distribution Key:
  
  Check the distribution key you are using to ensure it is correct and exists in the system. You can do this by navigating to the relevant configuration settings in SAP.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Review the configuration settings for payroll or personnel administration to ensure that the distribution key is properly defined and active.
  You can access the configuration through transaction codes like SPRO (SAP Project Reference Object) and navigate to the relevant sections.
  
  
  
  Correct Data Entry:
  
  Double-check the entry for any typographical errors. Ensure that the distribution key is entered correctly in the relevant fields.
  
  
  
  Consult with SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and use the distribution key. This may involve checking user roles and permissions.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message. SAP Notes often provide solutions or workarounds for known issues.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to payroll and distribution keys to understand their configuration and usage better.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) or PC00_MXX_CALC (Payroll Calculation) to troubleshoot further.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the GP357 error and implement a solution to resolve it.