M8640 - No sort fields defined for this line layout

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M8 - Invoice Verification/Valuation

• Message number: 640

• Message text: No sort fields defined for this line layout

What causes this issue?

For the selected line layout, the system configuration settings do
not contain any specifications concerning the fields by which sorting
is to be carried out.

How to fix this error?

You may want to choose a line layout that permits sorting (if so,
choose <LS>Settings</> --> <LS>Line layout</>).
If you want to perform a sort for the set line layout, you must ask
your system administrator to change the display variant in the
Customizing system of Invoice Verification. For the line layout, you
can enter the fields that are to be offered as sort criteria (via
<LS>Environment</> --> <LS>Field selection</> --> <LS>Sort</>).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M8640 - No sort fields defined for this line layout ?

  The SAP error message M8640 "No sort fields defined for this line layout" typically occurs in the context of reporting or data extraction processes, particularly when dealing with line item reports or lists in the Materials Management (MM) module. This error indicates that the system is unable to sort the data because no sorting fields have been defined for the specified line layout.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Sort Fields: The line layout you are using does not have any sort fields defined. This can happen if the layout was customized or if the default layout was modified.
  Incorrect Layout Assignment: The layout assigned to the report or transaction may not be appropriate for the data being processed.
  User-Specific Settings: The error may arise from user-specific settings or preferences that do not include any sort fields.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Define Sort Fields:
  
  Go to the line layout settings in the relevant transaction (e.g., ME2N, ME2L, etc.).
  Check the layout configuration and ensure that at least one sort field is defined. You can usually do this by navigating to the layout settings and selecting the appropriate fields for sorting.
  
  
  
  Use Standard Layout:
  
  If you are using a custom layout, try switching to a standard layout that is known to work without issues. This can help determine if the problem is with the custom layout.
  
  
  
  Check User Settings:
  
  If the issue is user-specific, check the user settings for the report. You can reset the layout to default or adjust the settings to include sort fields.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for the specific transaction you are using. This can provide insights into the required fields and settings.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance. They may provide patches or updates if this is a known issue.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Common transactions where this error might occur include ME2N (Purchase Orders by Vendor), ME2L (Purchase Orders by Supplier), and others related to material management reporting.
  Line Layout Configuration: Understanding how to configure line layouts in SAP can be beneficial. This typically involves navigating to the layout settings in the report and selecting fields for display and sorting.
  User Exits and Enhancements: In some cases, custom developments or enhancements may affect how layouts are processed. Review any custom code that may interact with the reporting functionality.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the M8640 error and successfully generate the desired report or data output in SAP.