How To Fix MM015 - The "Negative quantities allowed" indicator will be set automatically

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MM - Messages for material master maintenance and Customizing

• Message number: 015

• Message text: The "Negative quantities allowed" indicator will be set automatically

What causes this issue?

You want to run the period closing program and have chosen the option
allowing negative values for the current previous period, that is, for
the period that is the previous period before period closing.

System Response

The system therefore automatically selects the option allowing negative
quantities for the current previous period too.
Note
Negative stock values can arise only if materials also exist that have
negative stocks.

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 MM015 - The "Negative quantities allowed" indicator will be set automatically ?

  The SAP error message MM015, which states "The 'Negative quantities allowed' indicator will be set automatically," typically occurs in the context of inventory management and material master data. This message indicates that the system is automatically setting the "Negative quantities allowed" indicator for a material because the current configuration or transaction requires it.
  Cause:
  
  Material Master Settings: The material in question may be configured in such a way that it allows for negative stock levels. This is often the case for materials that are managed in a way that allows for backorders or negative inventory situations.
  Transaction Type: The transaction being performed (e.g., goods issue, transfer posting) may require negative stock levels to be allowed, especially if the stock is being issued without sufficient positive stock on hand.
  Stock Type: The stock type (e.g., unrestricted, quality inspection, blocked) may also influence whether negative quantities are allowed.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Review Material Master Data: Check the material master record for the specific material. Navigate to the material master (transaction code MM03) and review the relevant views (e.g., Basic Data, Purchasing, and Plant Data/Storage).
  
  Ensure that the "Negative quantities allowed" indicator is set according to your business requirements.
  
  
  
  Adjust Inventory Management Settings: If negative quantities are not desired, you may need to adjust the inventory management settings or the specific transaction type being used.
  
  You can do this by reviewing the configuration in the IMG (Implementation Guide) under Materials Management > Inventory Management > Settings for Goods Movement.
  
  
  
  Consult with Business Process Owners: If the automatic setting of the indicator is not aligned with business processes, consult with relevant stakeholders (e.g., inventory management, finance) to determine if the process needs to be adjusted.
  
  
  Training and Documentation: Ensure that users are trained on the implications of allowing negative stock and that there is proper documentation on how to handle such situations.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Negative Stock Management: Understand the implications of allowing negative stock in your organization. While it can help in certain scenarios (like backorders), it can also lead to confusion and inaccuracies in inventory reporting.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  MM01: Create Material
  MM02: Change Material
  MM03: Display Material
  MIGO: Goods Movement
  MB1A: Goods Withdrawal
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation: Check SAP Notes for any specific issues or updates related to this error message. SAP's help documentation can also provide insights into best practices for managing material master data and inventory.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and ensuring that the material master settings align with your business processes, you can effectively manage the MM015 error message in SAP.