How To Fix KI169 - Cost element type &1 cannot be posted on cost centers

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KI -

• Message number: 169

• Message text: Cost element type &1 cannot be posted on cost centers

What causes this issue?

You made an account assignment to a cost element of type &V1&.

System Response

This type of cost element cannot be used with cost centers.

How to fix this error?

Do not assign this cost element to a cost center. Alternatively:
Check whether you posted the correct cost element to the correct
account
Check whether the cost element type was set correctly by using the
master data transaction for Cost Center Accounting
This message is sent as a caution for purchasing or procurement orders.
You can make the message an error message by changing the message type
in Customizing. Use the Implementation Guide under "Controlling:
General" and choose <DS:SIMG.SIMG_CFMENUORK3OBA5>Change message
control</>. Enter area KI and message number 169.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KI169 - Cost element type &1 cannot be posted on cost centers ?

  The SAP error message KI169 indicates that a specific cost element type cannot be posted to cost centers. This error typically arises when there is an attempt to post a transaction to a cost center using a cost element that is not allowed for that type of posting.
  Cause:
  The error can occur due to several reasons:
  
  Cost Element Type Restrictions: The cost element type being used (indicated by &1 in the error message) is not configured to allow postings to cost centers. For example, certain cost element types may be designated for internal orders, projects, or other purposes but not for cost centers.
  Configuration Issues: The configuration settings in the controlling (CO) module may not allow the specific cost element type to be used with cost centers.
  Posting Type Mismatch: The transaction being attempted may not align with the allowed posting types for the cost element.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the KI169 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Cost Element Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code KA03 (Display Cost Element) and check the configuration of the cost element in question.
  Ensure that the cost element type is set up to allow postings to cost centers. If it is not, you may need to create a new cost element or modify the existing one.
  
  
  
  Review Cost Element Types:
  
  Understand the different cost element types (e.g., primary, secondary) and their intended use. Ensure that you are using the correct type for your posting.
  
  
  
  Adjust Posting Logic:
  
  If the cost element is not meant for cost center postings, consider adjusting your posting logic to use a different cost element that is appropriate for cost centers.
  
  
  
  Consult with Configuration Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the configuration or need to make changes, consult with your SAP configuration team or a functional consultant who specializes in the CO module.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making any changes, perform a test posting to ensure that the error is resolved and that the transaction can be processed successfully.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Cost Element Types: In SAP, cost elements are categorized into primary and secondary types. Primary cost elements are linked to general ledger accounts, while secondary cost elements are used for internal allocations.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KA01 (Create Cost Element), KA02 (Change Cost Element), and KA03 (Display Cost Element) for managing cost elements.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on cost element configuration and posting rules.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the KI169 error and implement a solution to resolve it.