How To Fix M8281 - Unplanned delivery costs will lead to negative value

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M8 - Invoice Verification/Valuation

• Message number: 281

• Message text: Unplanned delivery costs will lead to negative value

What causes this issue?

You entered an invoice with negative delivery costs. When simulating
or posting the invoice, the system divides these delivery costs among
the individual items. Since the delivery costs are negative, the
item amounts are reduced. In item &V1& this leads to a value that is 0
or even negative. This is not allowed.

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?

Check the delivery costs and the amount in item
&V1&. If both are correct, you must manually divide the delivery
costs among the individual items with no amount being negative or
0.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M8281 - Unplanned delivery costs will lead to negative value ?

  The SAP error message M8281, which states "Unplanned delivery costs will lead to negative value," typically occurs during the processing of a goods receipt or invoice verification when the system detects that the unplanned delivery costs (such as freight or handling charges) will result in a negative value for the total cost of the goods being received.
  Cause:
  
  Unplanned Delivery Costs: This error usually arises when the unplanned delivery costs are higher than the value of the goods being received. For example, if the goods are valued at $100 and the unplanned delivery costs are $150, the total cost would be negative (-$50).
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be issues with the configuration of the material master or purchasing info records that lead to incorrect calculations of costs.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual entry errors during the invoice verification process can also lead to this situation.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Unplanned Delivery Costs: Check the unplanned delivery costs being entered. Ensure that they are reasonable and do not exceed the value of the goods being received.
  Adjust Costs: If the unplanned delivery costs are indeed valid but exceed the value of the goods, consider adjusting the costs or negotiating with the supplier to reduce the delivery costs.
  Check Material Master and Info Records: Review the material master data and purchasing info records to ensure that all cost-related fields are correctly configured and that there are no discrepancies.
  Use Correct Account Assignment: Ensure that the account assignment for the delivery costs is correct and that it aligns with the intended cost structure.
  Consult with Finance: If necessary, consult with the finance department to understand how to handle unplanned delivery costs in a way that complies with accounting practices.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like ME23N (Display Purchase Order), MIGO (Goods Movement), or MIRO (Invoice Verification) to review and correct the relevant documents.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on handling unplanned delivery costs.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files related to material management and invoice verification for more detailed information on handling costs.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the M8281 error and ensure that your goods receipt and invoice verification processes run smoothly.