How To Fix MM336 - Changing the concatenation settings may cause data inconsistency

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 336

• Message text: Changing the concatenation settings may cause data inconsistency

What causes this issue?

You tried to change the concatenation settings from <LS>Enable</> to
<LS>Disable</> or <LS>Disable</> to <LS>Enable</>. Changing the existing
settings may result in data inconsistency.

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

System Response

The system displays a warning message in the following cases:
When you change the concatenation settings from <LS>Enable</> to
<LS>Disable</>
When concatenation is enabled, the manufacturer part number that you
specify during material creation is used to generate the material
number. However, when you disable this setting, the part number that you
specify serves as an additional attribute of your material and is not
used to generate the material number. This will cause data
inconsistency.
When you change the concatenation settings from <LS>Disable</> to
<LS>Enable</>
When concatenation is disabled<(>,<)><LS> </>the part number that you
specify during material creation serves as an additional attribute of
your material and is not used to generate the material number. However,
when you enable this setting, the manufacturer part number that you
specify during material creation will be used to generate the material
number. This will cause data inconsistency.
<LS> </>

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MM336 - Changing the concatenation settings may cause data inconsistency ?

  The SAP error message MM336, which states "Changing the concatenation settings may cause data inconsistency," typically occurs in the context of material master data management, particularly when dealing with the concatenation of fields in the material master.
  Cause:
  This error is triggered when there is an attempt to change the concatenation settings for material master data. Concatenation settings determine how different fields (like material number, plant, etc.) are combined or displayed. Changing these settings can lead to inconsistencies in how data is represented or accessed, especially if there are existing records that were created under the previous settings.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Review the Change Request: Before making any changes to the concatenation settings, ensure that you have a clear understanding of the implications. Review the documentation and consult with your SAP functional team.
  
  
  Data Consistency Check: Perform a data consistency check to identify any existing inconsistencies in the material master data that may arise from the proposed changes.
  
  
  Consult with Stakeholders: Engage with relevant stakeholders (e.g., data management teams, business process owners) to discuss the potential impact of changing the concatenation settings.
  
  
  Backup Data: If you decide to proceed with the change, ensure that you have a backup of the current data to restore it if necessary.
  
  
  Test in a Development Environment: If possible, test the changes in a development or sandbox environment before applying them to the production system. This will help identify any issues that may arise.
  
  
  Implement Changes During Downtime: If the changes are necessary, consider implementing them during a scheduled downtime to minimize the impact on users.
  
  
  Monitor After Changes: After making the changes, closely monitor the system for any unexpected behavior or data inconsistencies.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common issues.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to material master data management and concatenation settings for a deeper understanding of how these settings work.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, providing insights or solutions from other users' experiences.
  
  By following these steps, you can address the MM336 error effectively while minimizing the risk of data inconsistency in your SAP system.