KO181 - Overhead key & is not valid

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KO - Master data for CO orders

• Message number: 181

• Message text: Overhead key & is not valid

What causes this issue?

Overhead key &v1& does not exist.

How to fix this error?

Enter a valid overhead key, or define the following overhead key:
<DS:TRAN.OKOG>Execute_function</>.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KO181 - Overhead key & is not valid ?

  The SAP error message KO181 indicates that the overhead key specified in a transaction is not valid. This error typically occurs in the context of controlling (CO) modules, particularly when dealing with cost centers, internal orders, or other cost objects where overhead calculations are involved.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Overhead Key: The overhead key you are trying to use does not exist in the system or is not properly configured.
  Master Data Issues: The overhead key may not be assigned to the relevant cost center, internal order, or other controlling objects.
  Configuration Issues: The overhead key may not be activated or may not be set up correctly in the system configuration.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the overhead key.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Overhead Key: Verify that the overhead key you are using is valid. You can do this by navigating to the relevant configuration settings in SAP:
  
  Use transaction code OKKP to check the overhead keys.
  Ensure that the overhead key exists and is correctly defined.
  
  
  
  Assign Overhead Key: If the overhead key is valid but not assigned, you may need to assign it to the relevant cost center or internal order:
  
  Use transaction code KS01 (Create Cost Center) or KO01 (Create Internal Order) to assign the overhead key.
  
  
  
  Configuration Review: Review the configuration settings for overhead calculation:
  
  Use transaction code OKTZ to check the overhead key settings.
  Ensure that the overhead key is activated and configured correctly.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and use the overhead key. This may involve checking user roles and authorizations in transaction code SU01.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If the issue persists, consult SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  OKKP: Overhead Key Configuration
  KS01: Create Cost Center
  KO01: Create Internal Order
  OKTZ: Overhead Key Settings
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to the error message KO181 for additional insights or patches that may resolve the issue.
  User Forums: Consider visiting SAP community forums or user groups for discussions related to this error, as other users may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the KO181 error in SAP.