How To Fix KS351 - Area &1 is not possible, as cost center &2 exists in &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KS - RK-S Master Data Maintenance

• Message number: 351

• Message text: Area &1 is not possible, as cost center &2 exists in &3

What causes this issue?

You created a new validity period for cost center &v2& in hierarchy
area &v1&. However, cost center &v2& already exists under hierarchy
node &v3&.
The assignment of a cost center to an area of the standard hierarchy
must be unique across all validity periods.

System Response

Processing is terminated.

How to fix this error?

Create the new validity period for cost center &v2& in area &v3& or
first move the existing validity period to hierarchy area &v1&.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KS351 - Area &1 is not possible, as cost center &2 exists in &3 ?

  The SAP error message KS351 indicates that there is an issue with the cost center assignment in the system. Specifically, it means that the area you are trying to use is not valid because a cost center already exists in a different controlling area. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Cost Center Exists in Another Controlling Area: The error occurs when you attempt to assign a cost center to a controlling area that is already assigned to a different controlling area. Each cost center must be unique within its controlling area.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be a configuration issue where the cost center is not properly assigned to the intended controlling area.
  Data Consistency Issues: There might be inconsistencies in the master data, such as the cost center being incorrectly defined or duplicated.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Cost Center Assignment:
  
  Go to the transaction code KS03 (Display Cost Center) and check the details of the cost center in question. Verify which controlling area it is assigned to.
  If the cost center is assigned to a different controlling area, you will need to either change the controlling area or create a new cost center for the intended area.
  
  
  
  Create a New Cost Center:
  
  If you need to use the cost center in a different controlling area, consider creating a new cost center in the desired controlling area using transaction code KS01 (Create Cost Center).
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the configuration settings for controlling areas and cost centers are correct. This can be done in the SPRO (SAP Project Reference Object) configuration settings.
  
  
  
  Data Consistency Check:
  
  Run data consistency checks to ensure that there are no duplicate or incorrectly assigned cost centers. This can help identify any underlying issues in the master data.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help files for more detailed information on cost center management and controlling area assignments.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Controlling Area: A controlling area is an organizational unit in SAP that represents a closed system for cost accounting. Each cost center must belong to a specific controlling area.
  Cost Center Master Data: Cost centers are part of the master data in SAP and are used for tracking costs and performance in various organizational units.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  KS01: Create Cost Center
  KS02: Change Cost Center
  KS03: Display Cost Center
  KSH1: Create Cost Center Group
  KSH2: Change Cost Center Group
  KSH3: Display Cost Center Group
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the KS351 error and ensure that your cost center assignments are correctly configured in SAP.