How To Fix MM168 - Specify a distribution chain

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Specify a distribution chain

What causes this issue?

You wanted to maintain distribution-chain-specific data. However,
to do so, you must first specify a distribution chain.

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?

Enter a distribution chain.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MM168 - Specify a distribution chain ?

  The SAP error message MM168, which states "Specify a distribution chain," typically occurs in the context of materials management, particularly when dealing with purchasing or sales processes. This error indicates that the system requires a distribution chain to be specified for a particular transaction, such as creating or changing a material master record, vendor master record, or sales order.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following reasons:
  
  Missing Distribution Chain: The distribution chain (which consists of the plant and sales organization) has not been specified in the transaction you are trying to execute.
  Incorrect Configuration: The distribution chain may not be properly configured in the system, or the relevant master data may not be set up correctly.
  Transaction Context: The transaction you are performing requires a distribution chain, but it has not been provided in the input fields.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the MM168 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Specify the Distribution Chain:
  
  If you are creating or changing a material or vendor master record, ensure that you fill in the distribution chain field in the relevant screen. This typically includes selecting the appropriate sales organization and distribution channel.
  
  
  
  Check Master Data:
  
  Verify that the material master or vendor master data is correctly set up with the necessary distribution chain. You can do this by navigating to the relevant master data transaction (e.g., MM01 for material master, XK01 for vendor master) and checking the distribution chain settings.
  
  
  
  Configuration Check:
  
  If you have the necessary authorization, check the configuration settings in the SAP system to ensure that the distribution chain is defined correctly. This can be done in the SPRO transaction under the relevant materials management or sales and distribution settings.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to the specific transaction you are working on to understand the requirements for specifying a distribution chain.
  
  
  
  User Training:
  
  If users frequently encounter this error, consider providing training or documentation to help them understand how to correctly specify the distribution chain in their transactions.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), XK01 (Create Vendor), and others where distribution chains are applicable.
  Master Data: Understand the importance of master data in SAP and how it relates to distribution chains, sales organizations, and plants.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional insights or patches that may address specific issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MM168 error and proceed with your transaction in SAP.