How To Fix ME_RELCHK018 - Initial status of release strategy &1 not "blocked"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME_RELCHK - Check Customizing for Release Strategy

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Initial status of release strategy &1 not "blocked"

What causes this issue?

A <DS:GLOS.352AC0A188E65CD5E10000009B38F974>release indicator</>
"Blocked" must be assigned to the initial status of each
<DS:GLOS.3526BFF3AFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>release strategy</>.
This indicator is missing from release strategy &V1& of release group
&V2&.
As a rule, a purchasing document must first be released before it can
be processed further. When you create a purchasing document, a release
indicator which blocks the latter from further processing must
therefore initially be assigned to the document.

How to fix this error?

If necessary, define a release indicator for the status of this release
strategy.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME_RELCHK018 - Initial status of release strategy &1 not "blocked" ?

  The SAP error message ME_RELCHK018 indicates that the initial status of the release strategy for a purchase requisition or purchase order is not set to "blocked." This error typically occurs during the release (approval) process of a purchase requisition or order when the system checks the release strategy conditions.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the release strategy configuration in the SAP system. Specifically, it means that the release strategy defined for the document does not have a status that allows it to be processed further. The initial status should be set to "blocked" for the release strategy to work correctly.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Release Strategy Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code SPRO (SAP Reference IMG).
  Navigate to Materials Management > Purchasing > Purchase Requisition > Release Procedure > Define Release Procedure for Purchase Requisitions.
  Check the release strategy settings for the relevant document type. Ensure that the initial status is set to "blocked."
  
  
  
  Adjust Release Strategy:
  
  If the initial status is not set to "blocked," you may need to modify the release strategy configuration. Set the initial status to "blocked" to allow the release process to start correctly.
  
  
  
  Review Release Codes:
  
  Ensure that the release codes assigned to the release strategy are correctly configured and that they correspond to the appropriate user roles.
  
  
  
  Test the Configuration:
  
  After making changes, test the release process with a sample purchase requisition or order to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the configuration changes, refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP Basis or MM consultant for guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Release Strategy: A mechanism in SAP that controls the approval process for purchase requisitions and orders. It defines the conditions under which a document can be released and the sequence of approvals required.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME29N (Release Purchase Order) and ME54N (Release Purchase Requisition) for testing the release process.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that users have the necessary authorizations to release documents according to the defined release strategy.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ME_RELCHK018 error and ensure that the release strategy functions as intended.