How To Fix MA839 - Source structure and target structure must be different

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MA - Sales and Operations Planning

• Message number: 839

• Message text: Source structure and target structure must be different

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MA839 - Source structure and target structure must be different ?

  The SAP error message MA839, which states "Source structure and target structure must be different," typically occurs during data transfer or mapping processes in SAP, particularly in the context of Material Management (MM) or when working with data migration tools like LSMW (Legacy System Migration Workbench) or during IDoc processing.
  Cause:
  The error arises when the system detects that the source structure (the data being imported or transferred) and the target structure (the data structure in the SAP system) are identical or not appropriately mapped. This can happen due to several reasons:
  
  Incorrect Mapping: The fields in the source and target structures are not correctly defined or mapped, leading to a situation where the system sees them as the same.
  Data Format Issues: The data format or type in the source does not match the expected format in the target structure.
  Configuration Errors: There may be configuration issues in the data transfer process, such as incorrect settings in the data migration tool or IDoc configuration.
  Duplicate Structures: The same structure might be inadvertently used for both source and target, leading to confusion in the data transfer process.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the MA839 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  Check Mapping: Review the mapping between the source and target structures. Ensure that they are defined correctly and that the fields are appropriately aligned.
  Verify Data Formats: Ensure that the data types and formats in the source match the expected formats in the target structure. Adjust the data as necessary.
  Configuration Review: Check the configuration settings in the data migration tool or IDoc processing. Make sure that the source and target structures are correctly defined and that there are no duplicates.
  Use Different Structures: If the source and target structures are indeed the same, consider using different structures for the data transfer. This may involve creating a new target structure that is distinct from the source.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the structures involved in your data transfer process.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may be using transaction codes like LSMW, WE19 (for testing IDocs), or others related to data migration.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Community Forums: SAP Community and other forums can be valuable resources for finding similar issues faced by other users and their solutions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the MA839 error and implement a solution to resolve it.