How To Fix MH178 - Listing not possible for material group reference materials

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 178

• Message text: Listing not possible for material group reference materials

What causes this issue?

You wanted to carry out the <DS:GLOS.listing>listing</> operation for a
<DS:GLOS.material_group_reference_material>material group reference
material</>. These materials cannot be used operationally and serve
only as sources of default data when creating and extending materials
of a <DS:GLOS.material_group>material group</>.

System Response

As a result, the system cannot list these materials.

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.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MH178 - Listing not possible for material group reference materials ?

  The SAP error message MH178, which states "Listing not possible for material group reference materials," typically occurs in the context of material listing and exclusion processes in SAP, particularly when dealing with materials that are categorized as reference materials. This error can arise in various scenarios, such as during sales order processing, inventory management, or when trying to create or modify listings for materials.
  Cause:
  
  
  Material Group Configuration: The material group associated with the reference materials may not be configured correctly for listing purposes. Reference materials are often treated differently in terms of listing and exclusion.
  
  
  Listing Configuration: The listing configuration in the system may not allow reference materials to be included in the listing. This could be due to settings in the material master or the listing procedure.
  
  
  Material Type: The material type of the reference material may not be compatible with the listing process. Some material types are excluded from listings by default.
  
  
  Missing Data: There may be missing or incorrect data in the material master record that prevents the material from being listed.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Material Group Settings: Review the configuration of the material group associated with the reference materials. Ensure that it is set up to allow listings.
  
  
  Review Listing Procedure: Check the listing procedure in the system to ensure that it includes the material group of the reference materials. You may need to adjust the procedure to allow for these materials.
  
  
  Material Master Review: Inspect the material master data for the reference materials. Ensure that all necessary fields are filled out correctly and that the material type is appropriate for listing.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on how to configure listings and exclusions for reference materials.
  
  
  Testing: After making any changes, perform tests to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the materials can be listed as intended.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes such as MM02 (Change Material), MM03 (Display Material), or ME01 (Maintain Source List) to review and modify material data.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on handling reference materials in listings.
  
  
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that the user attempting to perform the listing has the necessary authorizations to modify material listings.
  
  
  Consult with SAP Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the MH178 error and implement a solution to resolve it.