How To Fix MM038 - The material may not be a reference material for consumption for itself

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 038

• Message text: The material may not be a reference material for consumption for itself

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MM038 - The material may not be a reference material for consumption for itself ?

  The SAP error message MM038 ("The material may not be a reference material for consumption for itself") typically occurs in the context of materials management, particularly when dealing with material master data and consumption postings. This error indicates that the system is preventing a material from being used as a reference material for its own consumption, which is not allowed in SAP.
  Cause:
  
  Self-Referencing: The error arises when a material is being set up or processed in a way that it is trying to reference itself for consumption. This can happen during the creation of a consumption posting or when trying to set up a material as a reference material in a way that violates SAP's rules.
  Material Master Configuration: The material may be incorrectly configured in the material master data, particularly in the settings related to consumption or reference materials.
  Incorrect Transaction: The transaction being executed may not be appropriate for the material type or its configuration.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Material Master Data: Review the material master data for the material in question. Ensure that it is not set up to reference itself. You can do this by navigating to the material master record and checking the relevant views (e.g., Basic Data, Purchasing, Accounting).
  Correct Reference Material: If you are trying to set a reference material for consumption, ensure that you are referencing a different material rather than the same one.
  Review Transaction: Ensure that the transaction you are executing is appropriate for the material type and its configuration. If you are trying to perform a consumption posting, make sure you are using the correct material and that it is not set as a reference for itself.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on material consumption and reference materials to ensure compliance with best practices.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Material Types: Different material types in SAP (e.g., raw materials, finished goods) have specific rules regarding consumption and reference materials.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material) to manage material master data effectively.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide additional insights or patches that could resolve the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the MM038 error and implement the necessary corrections to resolve it.