How To Fix KV238 - Specify an appropriate costing variant

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KV - Variance Analysis for Cost Centers and Cost Objects

• Message number: 238

• Message text: Specify an appropriate costing variant

What causes this issue?

<DS:GLOS.costing_variant>Costing variants</> depend on the object. For
example, not all costing variants specify the object <ZH>material</>.

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 a costing variant that refers to a material.
For information on costing variants, see the Implementation Guide for
Product Cost Planning (for example, see
<DS:SIMG.SIMG_CFMENUORKKOKKN>Define Costing Variants</>).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KV238 - Specify an appropriate costing variant ?

  The SAP error message KV238, which states "Specify an appropriate costing variant," typically occurs in the context of product costing or when trying to perform a cost estimate in SAP. This error indicates that the system requires a costing variant to be specified for the cost estimate process, but it has not been provided or is not valid.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Costing Variant: The costing variant has not been specified in the transaction or configuration.
  Invalid Costing Variant: The costing variant specified may not be valid for the current context or may not exist in the system.
  Configuration Issues: The costing variant may not be properly configured in the system, or the necessary settings may not be in place.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the specified costing variant.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Specify a Costing Variant:
  
  When executing the transaction that triggers the error, ensure that you specify a valid costing variant. This can usually be done in the initial screen or in the relevant field of the transaction.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in SAP (Transaction SPRO) and navigate to the relevant area for product costing. Ensure that the costing variant is defined correctly.
  Path: Controlling (CO) > Product Cost Controlling > Costing > Costing Variants. Here, you can check if the costing variant exists and is configured properly.
  
  
  
  Review Costing Variant Settings:
  
  Ensure that the costing variant is assigned to the appropriate valuation area and that all necessary parameters (like costing type, costing method, etc.) are set correctly.
  
  
  
  User Authorizations:
  
  Check if the user has the necessary authorizations to access the costing variant. This can be done by reviewing the user's roles and authorizations in the system.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on how to set up and use costing variants.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Costing Variants: Costing variants are used in SAP to define how costs are calculated for materials and products. They can include settings for valuation methods, overhead calculations, and more.
  Transaction Codes: Common transaction codes related to costing include CK11N (Create Cost Estimate), CK40N (Change Cost Estimate), and CK24 (Display Cost Estimate).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues or bugs related to 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 and product costing.