How To Fix IW896 - Material subject to serial number not possible for external warehouse

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IW - Order Processing

• Message number: 896

• Message text: Material subject to serial number not possible for external warehouse

What causes this issue?

The function you want is not supported in transaction <ZH>IW8W</>, as
the serial numbers for the current time point are not automatically
transferred to the inbound delivery.

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Instead use the transaction for updating goods receipts for the
refurbishment order (for example, <ZH>MB31</>).
Note that even when using transaction <ZH>MB31</> you must subsequently
maintain the serial numbers manually.

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 IW896 - Material subject to serial number not possible for external warehouse ?

  The SAP error message IW896 ("Material subject to serial number not possible for external warehouse") typically occurs when you are trying to perform a transaction involving a material that is managed with serial numbers, but the system is unable to process it due to the configuration of the external warehouse.
  Cause:
  
  Serial Number Management: The material in question is set up to require serial number management, but the external warehouse does not support this feature.
  Warehouse Configuration: The external warehouse may not be configured to handle materials that require serial number tracking.
  Material Master Settings: The material master record may have settings that conflict with the external warehouse's capabilities.
  Movement Type: The movement type being used may not be compatible with serial number management in the context of the external warehouse.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Warehouse Configuration: Ensure that the external warehouse is configured to handle materials with serial numbers. This may involve checking the warehouse management settings in SAP.
  Review Material Master: Verify the material master settings for the affected material. Ensure that the serial number management settings are appropriate for the external warehouse.
  Adjust Movement Type: If applicable, check the movement type being used for the transaction. Ensure that it is compatible with serial number management.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team to understand the specific requirements for managing serial numbers in external warehouses.
  Consider Alternative Processes: If the external warehouse cannot support serial number management, consider alternative processes for handling the material, such as using a different warehouse or changing the material's management settings.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM02 (Change Material), WM01 (Warehouse Management), and IQ01 (Create Serial Number) to help troubleshoot the issue.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that the user performing the transaction has the necessary authorizations to manage materials with serial numbers in the external warehouse.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to engage with your SAP support team or a consultant who specializes in SAP Warehouse Management for further assistance.