How To Fix M7686 - You cannot post differences, as serial number requirement is set

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M7 - Inventory Management and Physical Inventory

• Message number: 686

• Message text: You cannot post differences, as serial number requirement is set

What causes this issue?

You want to post inventory differences for a physical inventory document
in which serial numbers must be assigned to at least one item and
inspection lot management is active for the material concerned.

In this case, the inventory differences cannot be posted using the
physical inventory transactions
<DS:TRAN.MI07>MI07</>,
<DS:TRAN.MI08>MI08</>, and
<DS:TRAN.MI10>MI10</>.

System Response

The system cannot post the physical inventory document if it contains
items that require a serial number.

How to fix this error?

Before you can post the physical inventory document, you have to delete
the items that require a serial number.
You can then manually post the items that require a serial number.

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

In the physical inventory document, delete the items that require a
serial number and post the document:
Make a note of the items affected in the physical inventory document,
along with the inventory differences that are to be posted.
To delete these items from the physical inventory document, choose
<DS:TRAN.MI02>Phys. inventory doc. -> Change</>.
Post the physical inventory document.
Post inventory differences manually for the items that require a serial
number:
RESET N1
In Customizing for Inventory Management, in the step
<DS:SIMG.SIMG_CFMENUOLMBOMBQ>Copy, Change Movement Types</>, you have
to make the following settings for movement types 711, 712, 713, 714,
717 and 718:
Select all the chosen movement types, and under <LS>Navigation</>,
choose the step <LS>Allowed transactions</>. This takes you to the
overview screen for changing the allowed transactions.
Choose <LS>Edit -> New entries</>. The system displays the overview for
entering transactions.
Enter the movement types listed above, and assign the transaction code
<ZH>MIGO</> to each movement type.
Choose <LS>Goto -> Back</> to return to the <LS>Definition of New
Movement Types</> overview.
Save your entries.
You must also hide the 'WMS storage bin' field for the movement types
listed above.
From the Inventory Management menu, choose <LS>Goods movement -> Goods
receipt -> Other</>. The system displays the initial screen.
Depending on the inventory difference, choose the relevant movement
type, along with the plant and storage location data. Example: During
the physical inventory, you found out that 2 pieces of a material are
missing. In this case, you have to post the inventory difference using
movement type 711.
Choose Continue to go to the overview screen.
On the overview screen, enter the materials in question, along with the
inventory differences you have noted.
Post the document. You have now posted the inventory differences, and
simultaneously created the corresponding physical inventory documents.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M7686 - You cannot post differences, as serial number requirement is set ?

  The SAP error message M7686, "You cannot post differences, as serial number requirement is set," typically occurs in the context of inventory management or goods movements when there is a discrepancy in the quantity or value of goods being processed, and the system has a serial number requirement configured for the material in question.
  Cause:
  
  Serial Number Requirement: The material in question is set up to require serial numbers, which means that each individual item must be tracked with a unique identifier.
  Quantity Differences: When attempting to post a difference (for example, during a physical inventory count or a goods receipt), the system detects that the quantity being posted does not match the expected quantity, and since serial numbers are required, it cannot process the difference.
  Configuration Settings: The material master record may have settings that enforce serial number tracking, which can lead to this error if the quantities do not align.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Serial Number Assignment: Ensure that all items being processed have the correct serial numbers assigned. If you are trying to post a difference, make sure that the serial numbers for the items match the expected quantities.
  Adjust Inventory Count: If you are performing a physical inventory, ensure that the counted quantities match the system's records. If there are discrepancies, resolve them before attempting to post.
  Review Material Master Settings: Check the material master record for the item in question to confirm that the serial number requirement is appropriate for your business process. If necessary, adjust the settings to allow for differences without serial number tracking (if this aligns with your business requirements).
  Use Alternative Posting Methods: If you need to post differences and cannot resolve the serial number issue, consider using alternative methods for posting inventory adjustments that do not require serial numbers.
  Consult Documentation or Support: If the issue persists, refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MI01 (Create Physical Inventory Document), MI02 (Change Physical Inventory Document), and MIGO (Goods Movement) to manage inventory processes.
  Material Master Data: Review the material master data for the affected items to understand the configuration related to serial numbers.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional insights or patches that may address the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.