How To Fix M3827 - Only external procurement is defined for the material

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M3 - Material Master

• Message number: 827

• Message text: Only external procurement is defined for the material

What causes this issue?

You have selected the "Co-product" indicator, although only external
procurement is defined for the material. However, it only makes sense
to identify a material as a co-product if it is produced in-house.

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?

Either allow in-house production for the material or cancel the
"Co-product" indicator.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M3827 - Only external procurement is defined for the material ?

  The SAP error message M3827 ("Only external procurement is defined for the material") typically occurs when you attempt to create a purchase order or perform a related action for a material that is configured in the system to be procured only through external sources (i.e., vendors) and does not have any internal procurement options (like production or stock transfer) defined.
  Cause:
  
  Material Master Configuration: The material in question is set up in the material master with procurement type 'E' (External procurement only). This means that the system expects the material to be sourced solely from external vendors.
  Missing Internal Procurement: If you are trying to create a purchase order for a material that is not set up for internal procurement (like production or stock transfer), the system will throw this error.
  Incorrect Document Type: The document type you are using may not be compatible with the procurement type of the material.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Material Master Settings:
  
  Go to the material master record (transaction code MM03).
  Check the procurement type in the MRP (Material Requirements Planning) view. If it is set to 'E', it indicates that the material is only for external procurement.
  If you need to allow internal procurement, you may need to change the procurement type to 'F' (in-house production) or 'X' (both external and internal).
  
  
  
  Review Purchase Order Type:
  
  Ensure that the purchase order type you are using is appropriate for the material's procurement type. If the material is set for external procurement, ensure you are using a standard purchase order type.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Team:
  
  If you are unsure about changing the material master settings, consult with your SAP MM (Materials Management) team or a functional consultant. They can provide guidance on the implications of changing procurement types.
  
  
  
  Check for Valid Vendors:
  
  Ensure that there are valid vendors assigned to the material in the vendor master. If there are no vendors, you will not be able to procure the material externally.
  
  
  
  Review Purchase Info Records:
  
  Check if there are any purchase info records for the material and vendor combination. If not, you may need to create one.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  MM03: Display Material Master
  ME21N: Create Purchase Order
  ME11: Create Info Record
  
  
  Material Master Views: Ensure you are familiar with the different views of the material master, especially the MRP and Purchasing views.
  Procurement Types:
  
  'E' - External procurement only
  'F' - In-house production
  'X' - Both external and in-house production
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the M3827 error and proceed with your procurement activities in SAP.