How To Fix MH138 - & is gen. ref. store; store + distr. chain will be replaced by blanks

MH138 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MH - Maintain Material Master Data (Retail)

• Message number: 138

• Message text: & is gen. ref. store; store + distr. chain will be replaced by blanks

What causes this issue?

You have entered the number of the general reference store as the
store, and have also entered a distribution chain. If you maintain this
reference store, your changes will automatically be transferred to all
assigned stores that have not yet been maintained differently.

System Response

Since you normally maintain the general reference store by entering
neither a value for the store nor a value for the distribution chain,
the store and the distribution chain will be replaced by a blank when
you choose <LS>Enter</>.
<ZH>Note</>
In retail material maintenance, not entering organizational levels
generally means that the corresponding references are maintained. The
corresponding organizational levels also remain empty in the header of
the respective data screens.
If you enter neither a distribution chain nor a store in the header of
a logistics screen, the data is maintained for the general reference
store.
All stores of distribution chains for which no special reference store
has been defined are assigned to the general reference store.

How to fix this error?

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.

MH138 - Details

• The SAP error message MH138 typically relates to issues with material master data, particularly in the context of the logistics and supply chain modules. The message indicates that the general reference store and distribution chain will be replaced by blanks, which usually means that there is a problem with the configuration or data entry related to the material or the store/distribution chain.
  
  Cause:
  
  Missing Data: The error often arises when the system cannot find a valid reference for the store or distribution chain in the material master data.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be issues with the configuration settings in the system that define how stores and distribution chains are linked to materials.
  Data Inconsistency: If there are inconsistencies in the data entered for the material master, such as missing or incorrect entries for the store or distribution chain, this error can occur.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to view