How To Fix ME020 - Item category &3 not allowed with document type &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Item category &3 not allowed with document type &1

What causes this issue?

The combination of <DS:GLOS.3526BFD0AFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>document
type</> <ZH>&V1&</> and <DS:GLOS.3526C02AAFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>item
category</> <ZH>&V3&</> entered cannot be used because it has not been
defined in Customizing for Purchasing.
<ZH>Example</>
You have created a purchase order of the document type "standard PO"
with reference to a contract. The contract item you are referencing has
the item category <ZH>M</> (material unknown) or <ZH>W</> (material
group). This item category was adopted in the PO.
If the combination of document type "standard PO" and item category
<ZH>M</> or <ZH>W</> has not been defined in Customizing for <ZK>
Purchasing</>, you must use a valid combination of item category and
document type.

How to fix this error?

Check your input and change the item category if necessary.
<ZH>Note</>
If you wish to create a stock transport order (with item category <ZH>U
</>), you must invoke the function <LS>Purchase order -> Create ->
Stock transfer</> or use the order type <LS>stock transport order</>.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME020 - Item category &3 not allowed with document type &1 ?

  The SAP error message ME020 indicates that the item category specified in a purchasing document (like a purchase order) is not allowed for the document type being used. This error typically arises when there is a mismatch between the item category and the document type in the configuration settings of the SAP system.
  Cause:
  
  Configuration Issues: The item category you are trying to use is not configured to be valid for the specific document type in the system.
  Incorrect Item Category: The item category may not be appropriate for the type of purchasing document you are creating (e.g., standard purchase order, contract, etc.).
  Document Type Restrictions: Certain document types may have restrictions on which item categories can be used, based on business rules or system settings.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Go to the SPRO transaction (Customizing) and navigate to the following path:
  Materials Management -> Purchasing -> Purchase Order -> Define Document Types
  
  Check the settings for the document type you are using and ensure that the item category you are trying to use is allowed.
  
  
  
  Review Item Category:
  
  Ensure that the item category is appropriate for the document type. For example, if you are creating a standard purchase order, you should use item categories like "Standard" (item category 'N') or "Consignment" (item category 'K') as applicable.
  
  
  
  Adjust Document Type:
  
  If necessary, you may need to change the document type you are using to one that is compatible with the item category.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP functional consultant to understand the specific relationships between document types and item categories in your organization’s configuration.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making any changes, test the creation of the purchasing document again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  ME21N (Create Purchase Order)
  ME22N (Change Purchase Order)
  ME23N (Display Purchase Order)
  
  
  
  Item Categories: Common item categories include:
  
  Standard (N)
  Consignment (K)
  Subcontracting (L)
  Stock Transfer (T)
  
  
  
  Document Types: Common document types include:
  
  Standard PO (NB)
  Contract (MK)
  Scheduling Agreement (LP)
  
  
  
  If the issue persists after checking the configuration and item category, it may be beneficial to involve your SAP support team or a functional consultant for further investigation.