How To Fix MD_SUBSTN047 - Unable to determine the source based on rules

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MD_SUBSTN - Messages for Master Data Substitution

• Message number: 047

• Message text: Unable to determine the source based on rules

What causes this issue?

Rules are maintained by SAP.

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?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MD_SUBSTN047 - Unable to determine the source based on rules ?

  The SAP error message MD_SUBSTN047 ("Unable to determine the source based on rules") typically occurs in the context of material requirements planning (MRP) or when working with substitution or sourcing rules in SAP. This error indicates that the system is unable to find a valid source for a material based on the defined rules.
  Causes:
  
  Missing or Incorrect Source Determination Rules: The rules that define how the system should determine the source of supply for a material may be missing or incorrectly configured.
  Material Master Data Issues: The material master data may not be set up correctly, including missing information in the relevant views (e.g., purchasing, MRP).
  Inconsistent or Incomplete Data: There may be inconsistencies or missing data in the related master data, such as vendor information or purchasing info records.
  Plant or Storage Location Issues: The plant or storage location may not be correctly assigned or may not have valid sources defined.
  Configuration Issues: The configuration settings for the MRP or sourcing process may not be set up correctly.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Source Determination Rules: Review the source determination rules in the system to ensure they are correctly defined. This can be done in the customizing settings (transaction code SPRO) under the relevant MRP or sourcing sections.
  Review Material Master Data: Ensure that the material master data is complete and accurate. Check the purchasing and MRP views for any missing or incorrect entries.
  Validate Vendor and Info Records: Ensure that the vendor master data and purchasing info records are correctly set up and linked to the material.
  Check Plant and Storage Location Settings: Verify that the plant and storage location are correctly assigned and that valid sources are defined for them.
  Run MRP Again: After making the necessary corrections, run the MRP process again to see if the error persists.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material), ME11 (Create Info Record), and MD04 (Stock/Requirements List) to investigate the material and its sourcing.
  SAP Help Documentation: Refer to the official SAP help documentation for detailed information on source determination and MRP processes.
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the process to identify where the source determination is failing.
  
  If the problem continues after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in MRP and sourcing processes.