How To Fix MC284 - Field &-&: (foreign key dependency to table & missing)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MC - Aggregate: views, matchcodes, lock objects

• Message number: 284

• Message text: Field &-&: (foreign key dependency to table & missing)

What causes this issue?

No foreign key has yet been maintained for the specified field.
However, the system expects this here, e.g. in order to connect primary
tables and one of the secondary tables of an aggregate by foreign
keys.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Go to the single field maintenance screen of the corresponding table.
Position the cursor to the field for which the foreign key is to be
maintained and go to the foreign key maintenance screen by selecting
the function <LS>Foreign key</>.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MC284 - Field &-&: (foreign key dependency to table & missing) ?

  The SAP error message MC284 indicates that there is a foreign key dependency issue related to a specific table in the SAP system. This error typically arises when a record is being processed that references a key in another table, but that key does not exist in the referenced table. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information for this error:
  Cause:
  
  
  Missing Data: The most common cause is that the data you are trying to enter or process references a key that does not exist in the related table. For example, if you are trying to create a material master record that references a plant that does not exist in the plant table.
  
  
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies in the data due to previous deletions or updates that did not maintain referential integrity.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: Sometimes, the configuration settings in the system may not be set up correctly, leading to foreign key constraints not being met.
  
  
  Custom Development: If there are custom programs or enhancements, they may not handle foreign key relationships properly.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Data: Verify that the key you are trying to use exists in the referenced table. For example, if the error is related to a material, check that the material exists in the material master table.
  
  
  Data Correction: If the key is missing, you may need to create the missing record in the referenced table or correct the data you are trying to enter.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings related to the tables involved. Ensure that all necessary settings are correctly configured to maintain referential integrity.
  
  
  Debugging: If the error occurs in a custom program, you may need to debug the program to identify where the foreign key dependency is being violated.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific tables and fields involved to understand the relationships and constraints.
  
  
  SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance, especially if it involves standard SAP functionality.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check the structure of the tables involved and their relationships.
  Foreign Key Relationships: Understanding the foreign key relationships in the data model can help in diagnosing the issue.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide additional guidance on handling foreign key dependencies.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the MC284 error and implement a solution to resolve it.