How To Fix KI218 - Cost element & in CO area & for & cannot be posted with primary costs

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KI -

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Cost element & in CO area & for & cannot be posted with primary costs

What causes this issue?

You cannot make primary postings to cost element &V1&, as it is neither
a primary, revenue nor a balance sheet cost element.

How to fix this error?

Enter a different cost element.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KI218 - Cost element & in CO area & for & cannot be posted with primary costs ?

  The SAP error message KI218 indicates that there is an issue with posting primary costs to a cost element in a specific controlling (CO) area. This error typically arises when trying to post costs to a cost element that is not configured to accept primary costs. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Cost Element Configuration: The cost element in question may not be set up as a primary cost element. Primary cost elements are used to post costs directly from financial accounting (FI) to controlling (CO).
  Cost Element Type: The cost element might be of a type that does not allow primary cost postings (e.g., secondary cost elements).
  Posting Type: The transaction you are trying to execute may not be compatible with the cost element type.
  Cost Center Assignment: The cost element may not be assigned to the relevant cost center or internal order.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Cost Element Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code KA03 (Display Cost Element) and check the configuration of the cost element.
  Ensure that the cost element is defined as a primary cost element (Type 1).
  
  
  
  Review Cost Element Type:
  
  Ensure that you are using the correct cost element type for your posting. Primary cost elements should be used for direct postings from FI.
  
  
  
  Verify Posting Transaction:
  
  Check the transaction you are using to post costs. Ensure that it is appropriate for the type of cost element you are trying to use.
  
  
  
  Cost Center Assignment:
  
  Ensure that the cost element is assigned to the relevant cost center or internal order. You can check this in the cost center master data (transaction code KS03).
  
  
  
  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 CO.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Cost Element Types:
  
  Primary Cost Elements: These are linked to accounts in financial accounting and are used for direct postings.
  Secondary Cost Elements: These are used for internal allocations and do not have a direct link to financial accounting.
  
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  KA03: Display Cost Element
  KS03: Display Cost Center
  KSB1: Display Actual Line Items for Cost Centers
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on cost element configuration and postings in CO.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the KI218 error and implement the necessary solutions to resolve it.