How To Fix IM156 - Partner type of the partner function entered is not allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IM - Maintenance notifications

• Message number: 156

• Message text: Partner type of the partner function entered is not allowed

What causes this issue?

You entered a <GL:partner_function>partner function</> that refers to a
partner type that is not allowed here. You can only
enter partner functions with type "KU" in the customer partner function,
and partner functions of type "AP" for the contact person. The following
partner types are allowed for internal partners:

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

"US" = user
"PE" = person
"O " = organizational unit
"S " = position
"LI" = vendor

System Response

How to fix this error?

Enter an allowed partner type. Check the partner determination procedure
assigned to the notification type.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IM156 - Partner type of the partner function entered is not allowed ?

  The SAP error message IM156, which states "Partner type of the partner function entered is not allowed," typically occurs when there is a mismatch or misconfiguration in the partner function settings within the SAP system. This error can arise in various modules, such as Sales and Distribution (SD), Materials Management (MM), or others where partner functions are utilized.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Partner Function Configuration: The partner function you are trying to use is not allowed for the specific partner type in the context of the transaction you are executing.
  Missing Partner Type: The partner type that you are trying to assign to a partner function may not be defined in the system.
  Customizations: If there are customizations or enhancements in the partner function settings, they may restrict certain partner types from being used.
  Transaction-Specific Restrictions: Certain transactions may have specific rules regarding which partner types can be used with which partner functions.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Partner Function Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for partner functions in the relevant module (e.g., SPRO > Sales and Distribution > Basic Functions > Partner Determination > Define Partner Functions).
  Ensure that the partner function you are trying to use is correctly configured to accept the partner type you are entering.
  
  
  
  Review Partner Type Settings:
  
  Verify that the partner type you are trying to use is defined in the system and is allowed for the partner function in question.
  Check the settings for the partner type in the configuration (e.g., SPRO > Sales and Distribution > Basic Functions > Partner Determination > Define Partner Types).
  
  
  
  Transaction-Specific Settings:
  
  Review the specific transaction or document type you are working with to ensure that it allows the partner function and partner type combination you are trying to use.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on partner functions and types relevant to your module.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  If changes are made, test the transaction again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like SPRO for configuration, VD03 for displaying customer master data, or ME03 for displaying vendor master data, depending on the context of the error.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  User Exits and BAdIs: If there are custom developments in your system, check for any user exits or BAdIs that might be affecting partner determination logic.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the IM156 error and implement a solution to resolve it.