How To Fix MG171 - You have not fully maintained the descriptions

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MG - Batch input: material master

• Message number: 171

• Message text: You have not fully maintained the descriptions

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MG171 - You have not fully maintained the descriptions ?

  The SAP error message MG171, which states "You have not fully maintained the descriptions," typically occurs in the context of material master data or when dealing with material documents. This error indicates that certain required fields, particularly those related to descriptions or texts for materials, have not been filled out completely.
  Cause:
  
  Incomplete Material Master Data: The material master record may be missing descriptions in one or more languages or views (e.g., Basic Data, Sales Org Data, Purchasing Data).
  Text Types: Certain text types (like short text, long text, etc.) may not have been maintained.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the system that require specific descriptions to be filled out before proceeding.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Material Master Data:
  
  Go to the transaction code MM02 (Change Material) or MM03 (Display Material).
  Enter the material number and select the relevant views (e.g., Basic Data, Sales, Purchasing).
  Ensure that all required description fields are filled out completely.
  
  
  
  Maintain Texts:
  
  If the material requires specific texts, navigate to the "Texts" tab in the material master and ensure that all necessary text types are maintained.
  Use transaction code ME12 (Change Purchasing Info Record) or ME13 (Display Purchasing Info Record) if the error is related to purchasing documents.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  If you have access, check the configuration settings in the IMG (Implementation Guide) to see if there are any mandatory fields set for material descriptions.
  Consult with your SAP Basis or configuration team if you suspect that the issue is related to system settings.
  
  
  
  User Training:
  
  Ensure that users are trained on the importance of maintaining complete material descriptions and the impact of missing data on processes.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files for guidelines on maintaining material master data and the importance of descriptions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MG171 error and ensure that all necessary descriptions are properly maintained in the system.