How To Fix IW542 - Enter a preceding order for the follow-on order

IW542 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IW - Order Processing

• Message number: 542

• Message text: Enter a preceding order for the follow-on order

What causes this issue?

You want to create a new maintenance order as a follow-on order and have
therefore selected the <LS>Create Follow-On Order</> checkbox. You have
chosen <ZK>Enter</> without defining for which preceding order you wish
to create the follow-on order.

System Response

The system does not create the new order.

How to fix this error?

In the field <LS>Order</>, enter the order number of the preceding order
for which the new order should be created as a follow-on order or
deselect the <LS>Create Follow-On Order</> checkbox.

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

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 IW542 - Enter a preceding order for the follow-on order ?

  The SAP error message IW542 ("Enter a preceding order for the follow-on order") typically occurs in the context of maintenance orders or production orders when you are trying to create a follow-on order (such as a maintenance order that is dependent on a preceding order) without specifying the required preceding order.
  
  Cause:
  
  Missing Preceding Order: The follow-on order you are trying to create requires a reference to a preceding order, but this reference has not been provided.
  Incorrect Order Type: The order type you are using may not be configured to allow follow-on orders without a preceding order.
  System Configuration: The system may not be set up correctly to handle the relationship between the orders.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Enter Preceding Order: When creating the follow-on order, ensure that you enter the correct preceding order number in the relevant field. This is usually done in the order creation screen.
  Check Order Type Configuration: Verify that the order type you are