How To Fix MN020 - A settlement document has already been prepared for posting

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MN - Message class for subsequent settlement (Purchasing)

• Message number: 020

• Message text: A settlement document has already been prepared for posting

What causes this issue?

You have already carried out a settlement run for the rebate
arrangement currently being processed. This resulted in the
preparation of a settlement document (one billing document or several
credit memo documents) being prepared for posting.
Repeating the settlement run would cause these documents to be deleted
and, if applicable, new settlement documents to be prepared for
posting.

System Response

The function "Settlement accounting" has been terminated because you
did not acknowledge the warning message.

How to fix this error?

Please check whether or not you wish to post the already-prepared
settlement document. To post the document, please save the rebate
arrangement.
If you do not wish to save the document, reinvoke the "Settlement
accounting" function and acknowledge the warning message.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MN020 - A settlement document has already been prepared for posting ?

  The SAP error message MN020, which states "A settlement document has already been prepared for posting," typically occurs in the context of the settlement process in SAP, particularly when dealing with internal orders, projects, or other cost objects. This error indicates that a settlement document has already been created for the specified cost object, and therefore, the system does not allow for another settlement to be processed for the same period.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Settlement Attempt: The most common cause of this error is an attempt to settle the same cost object more than once for the same period.
  Incomplete Previous Settlement: If a previous settlement was not completed or was interrupted, it may still be locked in the system.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be configuration issues in the settlement settings that prevent further settlements.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Settlement Documents: 
  
  Use transaction codes like KO88 (for order settlement) or CJI3 (for project settlement) to check if a settlement document already exists for the cost object in question.
  Review the settlement documents to ensure that they are correctly posted.
  
  
  
  Post the Existing Settlement: 
  
  If a settlement document exists but has not been posted, you may need to post it first before attempting to create a new one.
  
  
  
  Clear Incomplete Settlements: 
  
  If there are incomplete settlements, you may need to clear them. This can often be done through the transaction KO8G (for order settlement) or similar transactions for projects.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration: 
  
  Check the configuration settings for the settlement process in the SAP system to ensure they are set up correctly. This may involve consulting with your SAP configuration team.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to settlement processes for additional insights and troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Contact Support: 
  
  If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KO88 (Order Settlement), CJI3 (Project Settlement), and KO8G (Order Settlement - Display).
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to error MN020 for any specific patches or updates that may address this issue.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform settlement operations, as lack of permissions can also lead to errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MN020 error and successfully process settlements in SAP.