How To Fix MEEXTFU016 - Serial numbers are assigned: change to configuration is not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MEEXTFU - MMPUR Messages Re Enhanced Functions

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Serial numbers are assigned: change to configuration is not possible

What causes this issue?

You are attempting to change the configuration of an object (purchase
requisition item or purchase order schedule line).
The change is not allowed:
For objects that are already configured
Due to serial number assignment
If the origin of the configuration in the material serial number does
not refer to this object
See <LS>Display Serial Number</> (<PF>IQ03</>) on the <LS>Configuration
Data</> tab page.

System Response

The configuration screen is shown in display mode.

How to fix this error?

Revoke all serial number assignments for this object and call
configuration again.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MEEXTFU016 - Serial numbers are assigned: change to configuration is not possible ?

  The SAP error message MEEXTFU016 indicates that a change to the configuration of a material or item is not possible because serial numbers have already been assigned to it. This typically occurs in scenarios where serial number management is enabled for a material, and the system prevents changes to certain configurations once serial numbers are assigned to ensure data integrity and traceability.
  Cause:
  
  Serial Number Assignment: The primary cause of this error is that the material in question has already had serial numbers assigned to it. Once serial numbers are assigned, certain changes to the material's configuration (like changing the material type, changing the serial number profile, etc.) are restricted.
  Configuration Changes: The specific configuration change you are trying to make is not allowed because it could affect the integrity of the serial number data.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Review the Changes: Determine if the changes you are trying to make are absolutely necessary. If they are not critical, you may want to leave the configuration as is.
  
  
  Unassign Serial Numbers: If you need to make the configuration changes, you may need to unassign the serial numbers from the material. This can be done by:
  
  Deleting the existing serial numbers (if applicable and if the business process allows it).
  Using transaction codes like IQ02 (Change Serial Number) to manage serial numbers.
  Note that this may not be feasible if the serial numbers are already linked to transactions (e.g., deliveries, sales orders).
  
  
  
  Create a New Material: If the changes are significant and cannot be made due to the existing serial numbers, consider creating a new material master record with the desired configuration and then assign new serial numbers to it.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team for specific guidelines related to serial number management and configuration changes.
  
  
  Check User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to the material configuration.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  MM02 (Change Material)
  IQ01 (Create Serial Number)
  IQ02 (Change Serial Number)
  IQ03 (Display Serial Number)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to serial number management and configuration changes that may provide additional insights or solutions.
  
  
  Business Processes: Understand the business processes related to the material and serial number management in your organization, as this will help in making informed decisions regarding changes.
  
  
  Testing: Always test changes in a development or quality assurance environment before applying them in production to avoid disruptions.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the MEEXTFU016 error effectively.