How To Fix MEPO021 - Item number cannot now be changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MEPO - New Purchase Order Dialog

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Item number cannot now be changed

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MEPO021 - Item number cannot now be changed ?

  The SAP error message MEPO021 ("Item number cannot now be changed") typically occurs in the context of purchasing documents, such as purchase orders or contracts, when there is an attempt to change the item number of a line item that is no longer editable. This can happen for several reasons, including:
  Causes:
  
  Document Status: The document may be in a status that does not allow changes (e.g., it has been released, or it is already in the process of being processed).
  Item History: The item may have been referenced in subsequent documents (like goods receipts or invoices), making it non-editable.
  Document Type Restrictions: Certain document types may have restrictions on changing item numbers after a certain point in the workflow.
  User Authorizations: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to make changes to the document.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Document Status: Verify the status of the document. If it is in a completed or locked state, you may need to revert it to a draft or editable state if possible.
  Create a New Item: If the item number cannot be changed, consider creating a new line item with the desired changes instead of modifying the existing one.
  Review Item History: Check if the item has been referenced in other documents. If so, you may need to reverse or cancel those documents before making changes.
  Consult with SAP Support: If the issue persists, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to the document. If not, contact your system administrator.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME22N (Change Purchase Order) or ME31K (Create Contract) to navigate the purchasing documents.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific fixes or updates related to this error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or user manuals for guidelines on handling purchasing documents and item changes.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the MEPO021 error effectively. If the problem continues, further investigation into the specific circumstances of the document in question may be necessary.