How To Fix K4018 - You cannot save because there are cost element groups which overlap

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: K4 - Order settlement configuration tables

• Message number: 018

• Message text: You cannot save because there are cost element groups which overlap

What causes this issue?

Before saving, the system checks whether the cost element groups in the
PA settlement assignments overlap. Your structure contains overlaps.
This is not permitted since there can be no guarantee that the cost
element assignment is unambiguous.
The intervals specified in the cost element groups must be unique for
each variance category. This means, of course, that different variance
categories may contain the same cost elements.
If the PA settlement assignment contains only one cost element group
but no variance categories, then this cost element group is valid for
all variance categories.

System Response

You cannot save your data.

How to fix this error?

Remove the overlaps.
To do this, select the function <ZK>Edit -> Check</>. The system
displays the PA assignments where overlaps were found.
You can remove these overlaps by changing the cost element groups
or by removing the offending cost elements from the cost element groups
you entered.
Using the function <ZK>Goto -> Process group</> you can display the
cost element intervals for the group you entered.
Using <ZK>Goto -> Create group</> you can create a new group.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message K4018 - You cannot save because there are cost element groups which overlap ?

  The SAP error message K4018, "You cannot save because there are cost element groups which overlap," typically occurs in the context of cost accounting when you are trying to save a configuration or transaction that involves cost element groups. This error indicates that there are overlapping cost element groups defined in the system, which can lead to ambiguity in cost allocation.
  
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is the existence of overlapping cost element groups in the configuration. Cost element groups are used to categorize cost elements for reporting and analysis purposes. If two or more cost element groups include the same cost elements, it creates a conflict, as the system cannot determine which group to use for a particular transaction.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to identify and eliminate the overlapping cost element groups. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Identify Overlapping Groups:
  
  Go to the transaction code OKB9 (Cost Element