How To Fix ME686 - You have entered a storage location but no plant (check your entry)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 686

• Message text: You have entered a storage location but no plant (check your entry)

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 ME686 - You have entered a storage location but no plant (check your entry) ?

  The SAP error message ME686 indicates that a storage location has been entered without a corresponding plant. This error typically occurs in the context of materials management, particularly when dealing with inventory management or procurement processes.
  Cause:
  The error arises when the system expects a plant to be associated with the storage location you have entered. In SAP, storage locations are tied to specific plants, and if a storage location is specified without a plant, the system cannot process the request.
  Solution:
  To resolve the ME686 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Your Entry:
  
  Ensure that you have entered both a valid plant and a corresponding storage location. The storage location must belong to the specified plant.
  
  
  
  Verify Plant and Storage Location Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in SAP to verify that the storage location is correctly assigned to the plant. You can check this in the following way:
  
  Navigate to Logistics > Materials Management > Inventory Management > Environment > Storage Location > Define Storage Locations.
  Ensure that the storage location you are trying to use is linked to the correct plant.
  
  
  
  
  
  Use the Correct Transaction:
  
  If you are using a specific transaction code (like ME21N for creating purchase orders), ensure that you are in the correct screen and that all required fields are filled out correctly.
  
  
  
  Check Master Data:
  
  Ensure that the material master data is correctly set up for the material you are working with. The material should have the necessary data for the plant and storage location.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator:
  
  If you are unsure about the configuration or if the issue persists, consult with your SAP administrator or support team. They can help verify the settings and make any necessary adjustments.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and MMBE (Stock Overview) to check stock levels and storage locations.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on material management and storage location configurations.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access and modify the relevant data in SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ME686 error and continue with your SAP processes.