How To Fix MH311 - Identical areas of validity can be displayed only for generic materials

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 311

• Message text: Identical areas of validity can be displayed only for generic materials

What causes this issue?

On the <LS>Basic Data</> screen, the <LS>Sales</> screen, and the
<LS>Purchasing</> screen, you can display identically maintained areas
of validity only for generic materials.

System Response

The system determines all variants whose basic data has not been
maintained differently from the generic material.

How to fix this error?

Choose <LS>Identically maintained areas of validity</> only if this is
a generic material.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MH311 - Identical areas of validity can be displayed only for generic materials ?

  The SAP error message MH311, which states "Identical areas of validity can be displayed only for generic materials," typically occurs in the context of material management, particularly when dealing with material master data and classification.
  Cause:
  This error arises when you attempt to display or work with the areas of validity for materials that are not classified as generic materials. In SAP, generic materials are those that do not have a specific material number but are used for classification purposes. The system restricts the display of identical areas of validity to only those materials that are classified as generic.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Material Type: Ensure that the material you are trying to display is indeed a generic material. You can check the material type in the material master record.
  
  
  Use Generic Material: If you need to display identical areas of validity, you may need to use a generic material instead of a specific material. You can create a generic material if one does not exist.
  
  
  Review Configuration: If you believe that the material should be treated as generic, review the configuration settings in your SAP system. This may involve checking the material type settings in the customizing (SPRO) to ensure that they are set up correctly.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more information on how to work with generic materials and areas of validity.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists and you cannot determine the cause, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide more tailored assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Material Master Data: Understanding how material master data is structured in SAP can help in troubleshooting issues related to material types and classifications.
  Generic Materials: Familiarize yourself with the concept of generic materials in SAP, including their purpose and how they differ from specific materials.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this error or provide additional guidance on handling material classifications.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the MH311 error and understand the context in which it occurs.