How To Fix MEPO068 - Higher-level (main) item number or sub-item category missing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MEPO - New Purchase Order Dialog

• Message number: 068

• Message text: Higher-level (main) item number or sub-item category missing

What causes this issue?

You are creating a purchase order item, but either the sub-item
category or the higher-level item number is missing.
Both are necessary for the creation of a sub-item.

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?

Please check in the purchase order item overview that the fields
<LS>Higher-level item</> and <LS>Sub-item category</> have been
populated correctly for the faulty items.

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 MEPO068 - Higher-level (main) item number or sub-item category missing ?

  The SAP error message MEPO068 ("Higher-level (main) item number or sub-item category missing") typically occurs in the context of purchasing documents, such as purchase orders or contracts, when there is an issue with the structure of the item hierarchy. This error indicates that the system expects a higher-level item number or a sub-item category to be specified, but it is missing.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Higher-Level Item: The item you are trying to create or modify is expected to be a sub-item of a higher-level item, but the higher-level item number is not provided.
  Incorrect Item Category: The item category may not be set up correctly, or the system is expecting a specific configuration that is not met.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the purchasing document types or item categories in the system.
  Data Entry Error: The user may have inadvertently left out required fields when entering the item details.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Item Hierarchy: Ensure that you are entering the correct higher-level item number if the item is supposed to be a sub-item. If it is a main item, ensure that it is not mistakenly categorized as a sub-item.
  Review Item Category: Verify that the item category is appropriate for the type of item you are trying to create. You may need to consult with your SAP configuration team to ensure that the item categories are set up correctly.
  Complete Required Fields: Make sure all mandatory fields are filled out correctly in the purchasing document. This includes checking for any missing higher-level item numbers or sub-item categories.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on the item hierarchy and categories relevant to your purchasing documents.
  Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert to investigate further.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may encounter this error while using transaction codes like ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), or ME31K (Create Contract).
  Item Categories: Familiarize yourself with the different item categories in SAP and their implications for item hierarchy.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  User Training: Ensure that users involved in creating or modifying purchasing documents are adequately trained on the system's requirements for item hierarchies and categories.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and following the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the MEPO068 error effectively.