How To Fix IP396 - Enter a piece of equipment as reference object

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IP - Messages for preventive maintenance

• Message number: 396

• Message text: Enter a piece of equipment as reference object

What causes this issue?

You want to create a task list for the equipment. To do this, you must
maintain a piece of equipment as the reference object.

System Response

The system creates a task list for the piece of equipment defined in
the item.

How to fix this error?

Maintain a piece of equipment as the reference object.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IP396 - Enter a piece of equipment as reference object ?

  The SAP error message IP396 ("Enter a piece of equipment as reference object") typically occurs in the context of maintenance planning and execution within the SAP system, particularly when dealing with maintenance orders or notifications. This error indicates that the system requires a specific piece of equipment to be referenced in the transaction you are trying to execute.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when:
  
  You are trying to create or process a maintenance order or notification without specifying a piece of equipment.
  The system expects a reference object (equipment) to be defined for the operation you are performing, but it is missing.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the IP396 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Enter Equipment Information:
  
  Ensure that you have entered a valid piece of equipment in the relevant field. This is usually found in the header or item details of the maintenance order or notification.
  If you are creating a maintenance order, look for the "Equipment" field and enter the correct equipment number.
  
  
  
  Check Equipment Master Data:
  
  Verify that the equipment you are trying to reference exists in the system and is active. You can do this by navigating to the Equipment Master Data (transaction code IE03) and checking the details.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  If you are consistently encountering this error, check the configuration settings in the SAP system to ensure that the equipment reference is set up correctly for the maintenance processes you are using.
  
  
  
  User Authorization:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access and modify equipment data. Lack of permissions can sometimes lead to issues in entering required information.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review any relevant SAP documentation or user manuals that pertain to the specific transaction you are working with. This can provide additional context on required fields and processes.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as IW31 (Create Order), IW32 (Change Order), and IW33 (Display Order) to understand where the error might be occurring.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide insights into specific bugs or configuration issues that may be causing the error.
  Training: If you are new to SAP or the specific module you are working with, consider undergoing training to better understand the system's requirements and functionalities.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IP396 error and proceed with your maintenance activities in SAP.