How To Fix MD401 - &1: &2 (A1)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 401

• Message text: &1: &2 (A1)

What causes this issue?

Available plant stock is less than the safety stock recorded in the
material master record.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MD401 - &1: &2 (A1) ?

  The SAP error message MD401 typically indicates an issue related to the availability of materials in the context of Material Requirements Planning (MRP). The message format usually looks like this:
  MD401 &1: &2 (A1)
  Where &1 and &2 are placeholders for specific details about the error, such as the material number and the plant.
  Cause:
  The MD401 error generally occurs due to one of the following reasons:
  
  Insufficient Stock: The system cannot find enough stock of the material to meet the demand.
  Incorrect MRP Settings: The MRP settings for the material may not be configured correctly, leading to issues in planning.
  Planning File Entries: There may be issues with the planning file entries that prevent the system from processing the material correctly.
  Lead Time Issues: The lead times for procurement or production may not be set correctly, causing the system to determine that the material is not available when it actually is.
  Blockages: The material may be blocked for some reason (e.g., quality inspection, stock transfer).
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the MD401 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  Check Stock Levels: Verify the stock levels of the material in the specified plant. Use transaction code MMBE to check the stock situation.
  Review MRP Settings: Ensure that the MRP settings for the material are correct. Check the material master data (transaction code MM03) and ensure that the MRP type, lot size, and other relevant fields are set appropriately.
  Check Planning File Entries: Use transaction code MD21 to check the planning file entries for the material. If there are issues, you may need to regenerate the planning file.
  Adjust Lead Times: Review and adjust the lead times for procurement or production in the material master data.
  Clear Blockages: If the material is blocked, investigate the reason for the blockage and resolve it accordingly.
  Run MRP: After making the necessary adjustments, run the MRP again using transaction code MD02 or MD01 to see if the issue is resolved.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MMBE (Stock Overview), MM03 (Display Material), MD21 (Planning File Entries), and MD02 (Single-item, Multi-level MRP).
  MRP Configuration: Understanding MRP configuration in SAP can help prevent similar issues in the future. This includes settings in the material master, MRP controllers, and planning strategies.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the MD401 error. You can search for relevant notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant for further assistance.