How To Fix MK057 - Material or unit of measure for GTIN &1 contains initialization character

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MK - Mass Handling in the Material Master

• Message number: 057

• Message text: Material or unit of measure for GTIN &1 contains initialization character

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MK057 - Material or unit of measure for GTIN &1 contains initialization character ?

  The SAP error message MK057 indicates that there is an issue with the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) associated with a material or unit of measure. Specifically, the error suggests that the GTIN or the unit of measure contains an initialization character, which is not allowed.
  Cause:
  
  Initialization Character: The GTIN or unit of measure may contain characters that are not valid according to the GTIN format. Initialization characters are typically non-printable or control characters that can cause issues in data processing.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been a mistake during data entry, where an invalid character was inadvertently included.
  Data Import Issues: If data was imported from an external source, it may have included invalid characters that are not visible in standard text editors.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the GTIN: Review the GTIN for the material or unit of measure in question. Ensure that it only contains valid numeric characters (0-9) and is formatted correctly.
  Remove Invalid Characters: If you identify any initialization or invalid characters, remove them. You can use tools or functions in SAP to clean the data.
  Data Validation: Implement validation checks during data entry or import processes to prevent the inclusion of invalid characters in the future.
  Re-enter Data: If necessary, re-enter the GTIN and unit of measure in the material master record to ensure that they are correct and do not contain any invalid characters.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or guidelines regarding GTIN formats and requirements to ensure compliance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  GTIN Format: GTINs can be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits long, depending on the type of product. Ensure that the GTIN adheres to the correct length and format.
  SAP Material Master: The material master record in SAP contains essential information about materials, including GTINs. Familiarize yourself with the relevant fields and their requirements.
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like MM02 (Change Material) or MM03 (Display Material) to access and modify material master data.
  Error Logs: Check SAP error logs or messages for additional context or related issues that may help in troubleshooting.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MK057 error and ensure that your GTIN and unit of measure data is valid and correctly formatted.