How To Fix ICC_NL018 - Line &1: Total working hours exceed the value entered in the PO

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ICC_NL - Country specific messages for the Netherlands

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Line &1: Total working hours exceed the value entered in the PO

What causes this issue?

The current Material Management invoice line item refers to a certain
Purchase Order line item. The system calculated the total amount of
working hours of all partial invoices for that Purchase Order line item.
The calculated value exceeds the value which was entered in the original
Purchase Order.

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 ICC_NL018 - Line &1: Total working hours exceed the value entered in the PO ?

  The SAP error message ICC_NL018, which states "Line &1: Total working hours exceed the value entered in the PO," typically occurs in the context of project management or service management when the total working hours recorded for a specific line item exceed the hours that were originally specified in the Purchase Order (PO).
  Cause:
  
  Exceeding PO Limits: The total working hours entered in the system for a service or project exceed the maximum hours allowed as per the Purchase Order.
  Incorrect Data Entry: There may have been an error in entering the working hours against the service or project.
  Changes in Scope: The scope of work may have changed, leading to more hours being worked than were originally planned and approved in the PO.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the system that enforce strict adherence to the PO limits.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review the Purchase Order: Check the details of the Purchase Order to confirm the maximum allowed working hours for the specific line item.
  Adjust Working Hours: If the working hours entered are indeed correct and justified, you may need to adjust the Purchase Order to reflect the new total working hours. This may involve:
  
  Creating a change order to increase the hours in the PO.
  Getting necessary approvals for the change.
  
  
  Correct Data Entry: If the hours entered are incorrect, correct the entry to ensure it does not exceed the PO limits.
  Consult with Stakeholders: If the project scope has changed, consult with project stakeholders to determine the appropriate course of action, which may include updating the PO.
  System Configuration: If this error is occurring frequently and is not aligned with business processes, consider reviewing the system configuration with your SAP administrator to see if adjustments are needed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on managing Purchase Orders and service entries.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME23N (Display Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and others related to service entry sheets.
  User Roles: Ensure that users have the appropriate roles and permissions to make changes to Purchase Orders and service entries.
  Training: Consider providing training for users on how to properly manage working hours and Purchase Orders to prevent this error from occurring in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and ensure that your working hours align with the Purchase Order requirements.