How To Fix MD261 - Error with RFCs. The system will switch to sequential reading

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MD - Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

• Message number: 261

• Message text: Error with RFCs. The system will switch to sequential reading

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MD261 - Error with RFCs. The system will switch to sequential reading ?

  The SAP error message MD261 indicates that there is an issue with the Remote Function Calls (RFCs) when trying to read data in parallel. This error typically occurs in the context of the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) process, particularly when the system is attempting to read data from multiple sources or systems simultaneously.
  Cause of MD261 Error
  
  
  RFC Connection Issues: The error may arise due to problems with the RFC connections between the SAP system and the remote systems. This could be due to network issues, incorrect configuration, or the remote system being down.
  
  
  Resource Limitations: The system may be hitting resource limits, such as memory or processing power, which prevents it from handling multiple RFC calls in parallel.
  
  
  Configuration Settings: The settings for parallel processing in the MRP configuration may not be correctly set, leading to the system defaulting to sequential processing.
  
  
  Locking Issues: If there are locks on the data being accessed, the system may not be able to read the data in parallel, resulting in this error.
  
  
  Solution to MD261 Error
  
  
  Check RFC Connections: Verify that all RFC connections are correctly configured and that the remote systems are accessible. You can use transaction code SM59 to check the status of RFC connections.
  
  
  Monitor System Resources: Use transaction codes like SM50 or SM66 to monitor system performance and check for any resource bottlenecks. If the system is under heavy load, consider optimizing the workload or increasing system resources.
  
  
  Review MRP Configuration: Check the MRP configuration settings to ensure that parallel processing is enabled. This can be done in the configuration settings for MRP.
  
  
  Check for Locks: Use transaction code SM12 to check for any locks on the relevant data. If there are locks, you may need to resolve them before the system can proceed with parallel processing.
  
  
  Adjust Parallel Processing Settings: If necessary, adjust the settings for parallel processing in the MRP configuration. This may involve changing parameters related to the number of parallel processes allowed.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SM59 (RFC Destinations), SM50 (Process Overview), SM66 (Global Process Overview), and SM12 (Lock Entries) for monitoring and troubleshooting.
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for MRP and RFC processing for more detailed information on configuration and best practices.
  
  
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights and solutions shared by other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the MD261 error effectively.