How To Fix MM_PUR_SES031 - Please maintain a preceding document.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MM_PUR_SES -

• Message number: 031

• Message text: Please maintain a preceding document.

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MM_PUR_SES031 - Please maintain a preceding document. ?

  The SAP error message MM_PUR_SES031, which states "Please maintain a preceding document," typically occurs in the context of purchasing and materials management when a user attempts to create or process a document (like a purchase order or a goods receipt) that requires a reference to a preceding document (such as a purchase requisition or a contract) that has not been maintained or is missing.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Preceding Document: The most common cause is that the system expects a preceding document (like a purchase requisition) to be referenced, but it has not been created or is not available.
  Incorrect Document Type: The document type being used may not be compatible with the expected preceding document.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that require certain documents to be linked, and these settings may not be correctly set up.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to view or create the preceding document.
  
  Solution:
  
  Create the Preceding Document: Ensure that the required preceding document (e.g., purchase requisition) is created and saved in the system before attempting to create the subsequent document.
  Check Document Type: Verify that the document type you are using is appropriate and that it is set up to allow referencing the required preceding document.
  Review Configuration: Consult with your SAP configuration team to ensure that the settings for document types and their relationships are correctly configured in the system.
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to create and view the preceding document. If not, the user may need to request additional permissions.
  Use Transaction Codes: Use relevant transaction codes (like ME51N for creating purchase requisitions) to create the necessary documents.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP for purchasing and materials management, such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME51N (Create Purchase Requisition), and ME31K (Create Contract).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes and documentation for any known issues or updates related to this error message.
  Training and Documentation: Ensure that users are trained on the proper processes for creating and managing purchasing documents in SAP to avoid this error in the future.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP's official documentation for further assistance.