How To Fix ME888 - Purchase order created in an external application cannot be changed.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 888

• Message text: Purchase order created in an external application cannot be changed.

What causes this issue?

You want to change a purchase order that was created in an external
system.
The purchase order was transmitted to the standard system so that the
goods receipt and invoice could be posted.

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?

This purchase order can only be changed in the external system in which
it was created. This means that you can only display the purchase order
in the standard system.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME888 - Purchase order created in an external application cannot be changed. ?

  The SAP error message ME888 indicates that a purchase order (PO) created in an external application cannot be changed within the SAP system. This typically occurs when the PO is not fully integrated into the SAP environment or when certain conditions prevent modifications.
  Causes of ME888 Error
  
  
  External Creation: The purchase order was created in an external system (like a third-party procurement tool) and not directly in SAP. As a result, SAP does not allow changes to it.
  
  
  Integration Issues: There may be issues with the integration between the external application and SAP, leading to incomplete data transfer or synchronization problems.
  
  
  Status of the PO: The purchase order may be in a status that does not allow changes (e.g., it may be completed, closed, or have been fully invoiced).
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to make changes may not have the necessary permissions to modify the purchase order.
  
  
  Configuration Settings: Certain configuration settings in SAP may