How To Fix MEPO166 - Conf. Control Key lacks; delivery creation for item &1 not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MEPO - New Purchase Order Dialog

• Message number: 166

• Message text: Conf. Control Key lacks; delivery creation for item &1 not possible

What causes this issue?

No confirmation control key was selected for the purchase order item.
Therefore no inbound delivery document can be created for the purchase
order item and an inbound delivery cannot take place.
The purchasing document is assigned to a document type with control key,
which determines, that the purchasing document and the corresponding
inbound delivery is transferred to SAP TM.

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?

Select a confirmation control key which allows an inbound delivery
creation.

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 MEPO166 - Conf. Control Key lacks; delivery creation for item &1 not possible ?

  The SAP error message MEPO166 indicates that there is a problem with the configuration control key for a specific item in a purchasing document (like a purchase order or a contract). This error typically arises when the system cannot create a delivery for the specified item because the control key is missing or not properly configured.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Control Key: The control key for the item is not defined in the system. This key is essential for determining how the item should be processed in terms of delivery and other logistics functions.
  Incorrect Configuration: The control key may be incorrectly configured or not assigned to the item type in the system.
  Item Type Restrictions: The item type may not allow for delivery creation due to its settings or the way it is defined in the system.
  Master Data Issues: The material master or vendor master data may not have the necessary settings or information related to the control key.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Control Key Assignment:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in SAP (Transaction SPRO).
  Navigate to the relevant area for purchasing and check the control key settings.
  Ensure that the control key is assigned to the item category you are working with.
  
  
  
  Assign Control Key:
  
  If the control key is missing, you may need to assign a valid control key to the item in the purchasing document.
  You can do this by editing the item in the purchase order or contract and selecting a valid control key from the dropdown.
  
  
  
  Review Item Category Settings:
  
  Check the settings for the item category in the configuration to ensure that it allows for delivery creation.
  Make adjustments as necessary to allow for the creation of deliveries.
  
  
  
  Check Material and Vendor Master Data:
  
  Ensure that the material master data has the correct settings for the control key.
  Verify that the vendor master data is also correctly configured to support the delivery process.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on the control key and its implications for delivery processing.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the process again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Control Key: This is a key in SAP that determines how a particular item is processed in terms of logistics and procurement. It can control various aspects such as whether the item is subject to delivery, invoicing, or other processes.
  Item Categories: Different item categories in SAP have different settings and capabilities. Understanding the specific item category you are working with can help in troubleshooting issues related to delivery creation.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on configuration.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in the purchasing module.