How To Fix MD_SUBSTN033 - Description cannot be blank

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MD_SUBSTN - Messages for Master Data Substitution

• Message number: 033

• Message text: Description cannot be blank

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 MD_SUBSTN033 - Description cannot be blank ?

  The SAP error message MD_SUBSTN033: Description cannot be blank typically occurs in the context of material master data or when dealing with substitution or alternative materials in SAP. This error indicates that a required field, specifically the description field, has not been filled out, which is mandatory for the operation you are trying to perform.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Description: The most common cause of this error is that the description field for a material or substitution entry is left blank.
  Data Entry Error: During data entry, the user may have overlooked filling in the description field.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the material master or substitution settings that require a description but are not set up correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Fill in the Description: Go to the relevant transaction (e.g., MM01, MM02 for material master) and ensure that the description field is filled in. This is usually found in the basic data or relevant views of the material master.
  Check Required Fields: Review the configuration settings to ensure that the description field is marked as required. This can be done in the customizing settings (SPRO) under Material Management.
  Validation: If you are using a custom program or transaction, ensure that the program logic includes validation to check for blank fields before processing.
  Review Substitution Settings: If this error occurs while setting up substitution materials, ensure that all required fields, including descriptions, are filled out correctly.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Common transaction codes related to material master include:
  
  MM01: Create Material
  MM02: Change Material
  MM03: Display Material
  
  
  Field Status Groups: Check the field status groups in the configuration to ensure that the description field is set to "required" for the relevant material types.
  SAP Notes: Look for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues or bugs related to this error message.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the importance of filling out all mandatory fields when entering or modifying material data.
  
  By addressing the blank description field and ensuring that all required fields are filled out, you should be able to resolve the MD_SUBSTN033 error.