How To Fix M3473 - Material forecast is new; enter the initialization indicator

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M3 - Material Master

• Message number: 473

• Message text: Material forecast is new; enter the initialization indicator

What causes this issue?

You want to carry out the first forecast for the material. The first
time a forecast is carried out, the initialization indicator needs to be
set.

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 initialization indicator.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M3473 - Material forecast is new; enter the initialization indicator ?

  The SAP error message M3473 ("Material forecast is new; enter the initialization indicator") typically occurs in the context of materials management and forecasting within SAP's Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) or similar modules. This error indicates that the system has detected that a forecast for a material is being created for the first time, and it requires an initialization indicator to proceed.
  Cause:
  
  New Material: The material in question does not have any existing forecast data. This is common for newly created materials that have not yet been forecasted.
  Forecast Initialization: The system requires an initialization indicator to be set to indicate how the forecast should be initialized (e.g., whether to use historical data, statistical methods, etc.).
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to follow these steps:
  
  
  Access the Forecasting Transaction: Go to the transaction where you are trying to create or maintain the forecast (e.g., transaction code MC88 for forecast maintenance).
  
  
  Enter Initialization Indicator:
  
  Look for a field labeled "Initialization Indicator" or similar.
  Set the appropriate initialization indicator based on your forecasting strategy. Common options include:
  
  Statistical Forecasting: If you want to use statistical methods to generate the forecast.
  Manual Initialization: If you want to enter the forecast manually.
  
  
  
  
  
  Save Changes: After entering the initialization indicator, save your changes and try to process the forecast again.
  
  
  Check Material Master Data: Ensure that the material master data is correctly set up, including the relevant views for forecasting.
  
  
  Review Forecasting Settings: If you are using APO or a similar module, check the forecasting settings and parameters to ensure they are configured correctly for new materials.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Forecasting Methods: Familiarize yourself with the different forecasting methods available in SAP, as the choice of method can impact how the initialization is handled.
  Material Master Configuration: Ensure that the material master is properly configured for forecasting, including the relevant planning views.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP's official documentation or help resources for detailed guidance on forecasting and initialization indicators.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to forecasts and material data.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message.