How To Fix ML069 - Smoothing factor may not exceed '1.00'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ML - Purchasing: Supplier Evaluation

• Message number: 069

• Message text: Smoothing factor may not exceed '1.00'

What causes this issue?

The smoothing factor indicates the weighting with which a new score for
a goods receipt is included in an already existing score.
Since, by definition, the sum of the weightings has the value '1.00',
it makes little sense to enter a value that is greater than '1.00'.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ML069 - Smoothing factor may not exceed '1.00' ?

  The SAP error message ML069, which states "Smoothing factor may not exceed '1.00'," typically occurs in the context of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) or forecasting within the SAP system. This error is related to the configuration of the smoothing factor used in forecasting methods, particularly in the context of time series analysis.
  Cause:
  The smoothing factor is a parameter used in forecasting methods to determine how much weight is given to the most recent data compared to older data. A smoothing factor greater than 1.00 is not valid because it would imply that the most recent data is being weighted more heavily than the total data set, which is not mathematically sound.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that the smoothing factor is set to a value between 0 and 1. Here are the steps to correct the issue:
  
  
  Access the Forecasting Configuration:
  
  Go to the relevant transaction in SAP (e.g., MC.9 for forecast analysis or MP30 for forecast maintenance).
  
  
  
  Check the Smoothing Factor:
  
  Locate the settings for the forecasting method you are using. This may involve navigating to the material master data or the forecasting profile.
  
  
  
  Adjust the Smoothing Factor:
  
  Ensure that the smoothing factor is set to a value between 0 and 1. For example, a common value might be 0.1 or 0.5, depending on your forecasting needs.
  
  
  
  Save Changes:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, save your changes and re-run the forecasting process.
  
  
  
  Test the Changes:
  
  Execute the forecasting run again to ensure that the error no longer appears.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Forecasting Methods: Different forecasting methods in SAP (like exponential smoothing, moving averages, etc.) may have different requirements for the smoothing factor.
  Material Master Data: The smoothing factor can often be found in the material master under the MRP or forecasting views.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for more detailed information on forecasting methods and their parameters.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message, as there may be known issues or additional guidance provided by SAP.
  
  If the problem persists after making these adjustments, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in MRP and forecasting within SAP.