How To Fix IS018 - Partner function & has an invalid partner type

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IS - Equipment management

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Partner function & has an invalid partner type

What causes this issue?

You have entered a partner function that has a partner type that is not
allowed. For customers, you can only enter partner functions of partner
type 'KU', for vendors, you can only enter partner functions of type
'VN'.

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?

Enter a valid partner function. Check the partner type if necessary.

<DS:TRAN.VOP2>Proceed</>
ENDIF

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IS018 - Partner function & has an invalid partner type ?

  The SAP error message IS018, which states "Partner function & has an invalid partner type," typically occurs in the context of partner determination in SAP, particularly when dealing with business partners, customers, or vendors. This error indicates that the system has encountered a partner function that is not correctly defined or is not associated with a valid partner type.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Partner Function Configuration: The partner function may not be correctly configured in the system. This could be due to missing or incorrect entries in the partner function settings.
  Invalid Partner Type: The partner type associated with the partner function may not be valid or may not exist in the system.
  Customizations or Enhancements: If there have been customizations or enhancements made to the partner determination process, they may have introduced inconsistencies.
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the master data related to the business partners, such as missing or incorrect partner type assignments.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Partner Function Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for partner functions in the relevant module (e.g., Sales and Distribution, Materials Management).
  Verify that the partner function is correctly defined and associated with the appropriate partner type.
  
  
  
  Validate Partner Types:
  
  Ensure that the partner type associated with the partner function is valid and exists in the system.
  You can check this in the configuration settings for partner types.
  
  
  
  Review Master Data:
  
  Check the master data for the business partner, customer, or vendor to ensure that the partner types are correctly assigned.
  Make sure that the partner function is being used in the correct context (e.g., sales order, purchase order).
  
  
  
  Check for Customizations:
  
  If there are any custom developments or enhancements related to partner determination, review them to ensure they are not causing the issue.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the partner determination process to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like BP (Business Partner), VD03 (Display Customer), or MK03 (Display Vendor) to check the details of the business partners.
  Partner Determination Procedure: Familiarize yourself with the partner determination procedure relevant to your business process, as it defines how partners are determined and what functions are available.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message, as SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP documentation for further assistance.