How To Fix ME673 - Please enter either material or short text

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 673

• Message text: Please enter either material or short text

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 ME673 - Please enter either material or short text ?

  The SAP error message ME673 "Please enter either material or short text" typically occurs in the context of creating or processing purchase orders, purchase requisitions, or other procurement-related documents. This error indicates that the system requires either a material number or a short text description to proceed with the transaction.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Material Number: The user has not entered a material number in the relevant field.
  Missing Short Text: The user has not provided a short text description for the item being processed.
  Incorrect Field Configuration: The field settings in the transaction may require either a material number or a short text, and both are currently empty.
  User Input Error: The user may have overlooked entering the required information.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the ME673 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Enter Material Number: If you have a specific material that you are trying to reference, enter the correct material number in the designated field.
  
  
  Enter Short Text: If you do not have a material number, provide a short text description of the item in the appropriate field.
  
  
  Check Field Requirements: Review the configuration of the transaction to ensure that the fields are set up correctly. If you are unsure, consult with your SAP administrator or functional consultant.
  
  
  Validate Input: Ensure that the material number or short text you are entering is valid and exists in the system. You can use transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material) to check if the material exists.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the required fields for the transaction you are working on, refer to the SAP documentation or user manuals for guidance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes related to purchasing, such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME51N (Create Purchase Requisition), etc.
  User Roles: Ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to create or modify the documents in question.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that may address this error or provide additional context.
  Training: If this error is common among users, consider providing training or documentation to help users understand the requirements for entering procurement documents.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ME673 error and proceed with your procurement activities in SAP.