How To Fix ILM238 - External service provider must have partner type "vendor"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ILM - Basic Maintenance Processing

• Message number: 238

• Message text: External service provider must have partner type "vendor"

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ILM238 - External service provider must have partner type "vendor" ?

  The SAP error message ILM238 indicates that there is an issue with the configuration of an external service provider in the context of Information Lifecycle Management (ILM). Specifically, the error states that the external service provider must have a partner type of "vendor." This typically occurs when the system is trying to process a request involving an external service provider that is not correctly set up in the system.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the external service provider you are trying to use is not defined as a vendor in the SAP system. In SAP, partner types are used to categorize business partners, and for external service providers, the partner type must be set to "vendor" to ensure proper integration and functionality.
  Solution:
  To resolve the ILM238 error, you need to ensure that the external service provider is correctly configured as a vendor in the SAP system. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Check the Business Partner Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code BP (Business Partner).
  Search for the external service provider in question.
  Check the partner type assigned to this business partner.
  
  
  
  Change the Partner Type:
  
  If the partner type is not set to "vendor," you will need to change it.
  You can do this by editing the business partner and assigning the correct partner type.
  Ensure that all necessary vendor-related information is filled out.
  
  
  
  Save Changes:
  
  After making the necessary changes, save the business partner configuration.
  
  
  
  Test the Configuration:
  
  Retry the operation that previously resulted in the ILM238 error to confirm that the issue has been resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  BP: Business Partner Maintenance
  ILM: Information Lifecycle Management transactions
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP Help documentation for Information Lifecycle Management for more details on configuring external service providers and understanding partner types.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional insights or updates related to this error message.
  
  
  
  User Roles and Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to business partner configurations.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ILM238 error and ensure that your external service provider is correctly set up as a vendor in the SAP system.