How To Fix M8406 - The purchase orders selected are currently blocked

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M8 - Invoice Verification/Valuation

• Message number: 406

• Message text: The purchase orders selected are currently blocked

What causes this issue?

Your selection contains order items for which quantity variances exist.
These purchase orders are, however currently blocked by another user.

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?

Try once again at a later time to maintain the account.
You may wish to contact your system administrator to find out who is
currently processing the purchase orders.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M8406 - The purchase orders selected are currently blocked ?

  The SAP error message M8406, which states "The purchase orders selected are currently blocked," typically occurs when there are issues related to the processing of purchase orders (POs) in the system. This error can arise due to various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution.
  Causes of Error M8406
  
  
  Blocked Purchase Orders: The purchase orders may be blocked for various reasons, such as:
  
  The PO is on hold due to missing approvals.
  The PO is blocked for payment due to issues with the vendor or invoice discrepancies.
  The PO is blocked due to a lack of budget or funds.
  
  
  
  Material or Vendor Issues: The materials or vendors associated with the purchase orders may have issues that prevent processing, such as:
  
  The vendor is blocked in the system.
  The material is not available or has been flagged for some reason.
  
  
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that are causing the purchase orders to be blocked.
  
  
  User Authorizations: The user attempting to process the purchase orders may not have the necessary authorizations to release or process blocked POs.
  
  
  Solutions to Error M8406
  
  
  Check Purchase Order Status:
  
  Review the status of the purchase orders in question. You can do this by navigating to the purchase order in the SAP system and checking for any indicators that show it is blocked.
  
  
  
  Review Block Reasons:
  
  Identify the specific reason for the block. This can often be found in the purchase order details or by checking the relevant logs.
  
  
  
  Release the Block:
  
  If the block is due to missing approvals, ensure that the necessary approvals are obtained.
  If the block is due to payment issues, resolve any discrepancies with the vendor or invoices.
  
  
  
  Check Vendor and Material Master Data:
  
  Ensure that the vendor is not blocked in the vendor master data.
  Check the material master data for any issues that may be causing the block.
  
  
  
  Consult with Finance or Procurement Teams:
  
  If the issue is related to budget or payment blocks, consult with the finance or procurement teams to resolve the issue.
  
  
  
  User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to process the purchase orders. If not, contact your SAP security team to adjust the user roles.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes or documentation that may provide additional insights or solutions related to this error.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like ME23N (Display Purchase Order) or ME22N (Change Purchase Order) to view and modify purchase orders.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance, especially if it appears to be a system-related issue.
  Training and Documentation: Ensure that users are trained on the procurement process and understand how to handle blocked purchase orders effectively.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the M8406 error and take appropriate actions to resolve it.