How To Fix ME337 - Order unit cannot be changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 337

• Message text: Order unit cannot be changed

What causes this issue?

A change is not possible for one of the following reasons:
A goods receipt or invoice receipt has already been posted for the
purchase order.
You are processing the main item in a bill of material whose structure
could be changed if you change the order unit of measure (for example
full product with an empties bill of material, main item with a
free-goods discount, and so on).

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME337 - Order unit cannot be changed ?

  The SAP error message ME337 ("Order unit cannot be changed") typically occurs when there is an attempt to change the order unit of a purchase order or a related document in a way that is not allowed by the system. This can happen for various reasons, including:
  Causes:
  
  Existing Transactions: If there are already transactions (like goods receipts, invoices, etc.) associated with the purchase order, the order unit cannot be changed.
  Document Status: The purchase order may be in a status that does not allow changes, such as being released or completed.
  Configuration Settings: The system configuration may restrict changes to the order unit based on business rules or settings in the material master or purchasing info records.
  Dependencies: There may be dependencies on other documents or settings that prevent the change.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Document Status: Ensure that the purchase order is in a status that allows changes. If it is completed or has been fully processed, you may need to create a new order instead.
  Review Transactions: Check if there are any existing transactions (like goods receipts or invoices) that are linked to the purchase order. If so, you may need to reverse or cancel those transactions before making changes.
  Consult Configuration: Review the configuration settings in the material master or purchasing info records to see if there are restrictions on changing the order unit. You may need to consult with your SAP administrator or functional consultant.
  Create a New Order: If changing the order unit is not possible due to existing transactions, consider creating a new purchase order with the desired order unit and referencing the original order if necessary.
  Use Transaction Codes: Utilize transaction codes like ME22N (Change Purchase Order) to attempt to make changes, but be aware of the restrictions mentioned above.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its software, and there may be known issues or fixes available.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for purchasing and order management to understand the implications of changing order units and the related processes.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that the user attempting to make the change has the necessary permissions to modify purchase orders.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to engage with your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.