How To Fix ME642 - Subcontracting only possible with supplier

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 642

• Message text: Subcontracting only possible with supplier

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME642 - Subcontracting only possible with supplier ?

  The SAP error message ME642 ("Subcontracting only possible with supplier") typically occurs in the context of procurement and subcontracting processes within SAP. This error indicates that the system is unable to process a subcontracting order because the vendor or supplier information is either missing or incorrectly configured.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Vendor Information: The material or item you are trying to subcontract does not have a valid vendor assigned in the system.
  Incorrect Vendor Master Data: The vendor master data may not be set up correctly for subcontracting. This includes missing or incorrect purchasing organization assignments.
  Material Master Configuration: The material being subcontracted may not be set up correctly in the material master, particularly in the purchasing view.
  Document Type Issues: The document type used for the purchase order may not be configured to allow subcontracting.
  Plant Assignment: The plant associated with the material or vendor may not be correctly assigned.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Vendor Assignment:
  
  Go to the vendor master data (transaction code XK03 or MK03) and ensure that the vendor is correctly set up for the relevant purchasing organization and plant.
  Ensure that the vendor is marked as a subcontractor.
  
  
  
  Review Material Master:
  
  Check the material master record (transaction code MM03) for the item you are trying to subcontract. Ensure that the purchasing view is correctly configured and that the vendor is assigned.
  
  
  
  Verify Document Type:
  
  Ensure that the document type used for the purchase order allows for subcontracting. This can be checked in the configuration settings (transaction code SPRO).
  
  
  
  Check Plant and Purchasing Organization:
  
  Ensure that the plant and purchasing organization are correctly assigned in both the vendor and material master records.
  
  
  
  Consult with Configuration Team:
  
  If the above checks do not resolve the issue, consult with your SAP configuration team to ensure that all necessary settings for subcontracting are correctly configured in the system.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  XK03: Display Vendor
  MM03: Display Material
  ME21N: Create Purchase Order
  ME22N: Change Purchase Order
  ME23N: Display Purchase Order
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to subcontracting and vendor setup.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on subcontracting processes and vendor management.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the ME642 error in your SAP system.