How To Fix KQ231 - Enter costing variant for alternative material cost estimate

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KQ - Error Messages for Customizing Product Costing

• Message number: 231

• Message text: Enter costing variant for alternative material cost estimate

What causes this issue?

You are defining a <DS:GLOS.target_cost_version>target cost version</>
that calculates the <DS:GLOS.target_costs>target costs</> for the
material being manufactured using an alternative
<DS:GLOS.material_cost_estimate>material cost estimate</> (such as a
<DS:GLOS.modified_standard_cost_estimate>modified standard cost
estimate</>).
The system can only select this cost estimate for
<DS:GLOS.variance_calculation>variance calculation</> if it knows which
<DS:GLOS.costing_variant>costing variant</> was used to create the
modified standard cost estimate.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Enter the appropriate costing variant.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KQ231 - Enter costing variant for alternative material cost estimate ?

  The SAP error message KQ231, which states "Enter costing variant for alternative material cost estimate," typically occurs when you are trying to perform a cost estimate for a material but have not specified a costing variant. This can happen in various transactions related to material costing, such as when creating or changing a cost estimate.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the absence of a costing variant in the cost estimate process. A costing variant is essential as it defines how the cost estimate is calculated, including the parameters and methods used for valuation.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to specify a costing variant in the relevant transaction. Here are the steps to do so:
  
  
  Access the Cost Estimate Transaction:
  
  Go to the transaction where you encountered the error (e.g., CK11N for creating a cost estimate).
  
  
  
  Enter the Material and Plant:
  
  Input the material number and the plant for which you want to create the cost estimate.
  
  
  
  Specify the Costing Variant:
  
  Look for the field labeled "Costing Variant" or similar. Enter the appropriate costing variant that you want to use for the cost estimate. If you are unsure which costing variant to use, you may need to consult with your finance or controlling team.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  If you do not have a costing variant available, you may need to configure one. This can be done in the following way:
  
  Go to the transaction code OKKN (Define Costing Variants).
  Create or modify a costing variant as per your requirements.
  
  
  
  
  
  Save and Execute:
  
  After entering the costing variant, save your entries and try executing the cost estimate again.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Costing Variants: Costing variants are defined in the configuration settings of SAP and can include various parameters such as valuation methods, overhead calculations, and more.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CK11N: Create Cost Estimate
  CK40N: Change Cost Estimate
  OKKN: Define Costing Variants
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on costing variants and their configuration.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access and modify costing variants.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in controlling (CO) or material management (MM) for further assistance.