How To Fix M3160 - Price control cannot be changed (cost component split exists)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M3 - Material Master

• Message number: 160

• Message text: Price control cannot be changed (cost component split exists)

What causes this issue?

Costing is active and has already been carried out for the current
period. You can only change the price control to "Standard" if the
moving average price and the standard price are identical.

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M3160 - Price control cannot be changed (cost component split exists) ?

  The SAP error message M3160, "Price control cannot be changed (cost component split exists)," typically occurs when you attempt to change the price control indicator (either from moving average price to standard price or vice versa) for a material that has already been involved in transactions that include a cost component split. This situation arises because the cost component split is tied to the material's valuation and changing the price control would disrupt the integrity of the cost data.
  Cause:
  
  Cost Component Split: The material has been configured with a cost component split, which means that costs are broken down into different components (like material costs, labor costs, overheads, etc.). This split is used for detailed cost analysis and reporting.
  Existing Transactions: There are existing transactions (like goods movements, invoices, etc.) that have already been recorded against the material, which reference the current price control setting.
  Material Master Settings: The material master record has been set up in a way that does not allow for the change in price control due to the existing cost structure.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Check Cost Component Split: Review the cost component split for the material. If it is not necessary, you may need to remove or adjust the cost component split. However, this can be complex and may require careful consideration of the implications on financial reporting.
  
  
  Create a New Material: If changing the price control is essential, consider creating a new material master record with the desired price control settings. This way, you can maintain the integrity of the existing transactions while starting fresh with the new settings.
  
  
  Consult with Finance/Controlling Team: Engage with your finance or controlling team to understand the implications of changing the price control and to explore the best approach for your specific business scenario.
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like MM02 (Change Material) to check the current settings and CK11N (Create Cost Estimate) to analyze the cost components.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or documentation that may provide additional insights or specific steps for your version of SAP.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Material Master Data: Understanding how material master data is structured and the implications of different price control methods (moving average vs. standard price).
  Costing Variants: Familiarize yourself with costing variants and how they interact with price control and cost component splits.
  Transaction History: Review the transaction history for the material to understand how it has been used and what changes may impact existing data.
  
  Always ensure that any changes made are in compliance with your organization's policies and procedures, and consider testing in a development environment before applying changes in production.