How To Fix MN216 - Customer billing document item not found (internal error)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 216

• Message text: Customer billing document item not found (internal error)

What causes this issue?

Largely identical to 215, 778, 779
While the system was checking the customer billing documents
(settlement documents) created via the general billing interface, a
customer billing document item that should exist was not found.

System Response

The system recognizes a situation of data inconsistency and does not
execute the requested function.

How to fix this error?

Contact your system administrator. There is probably an error in the
program.
The rebate arrangement concerned is &V1&, and the condition record has
(internal) number &V2&.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MN216 - Customer billing document item not found (internal error) ?

  The SAP error message MN216, "Customer billing document item not found (internal error)," typically occurs during the billing process when the system is unable to locate a specific item in the customer billing document. This can happen for various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for resolving the issue.
  Causes:
  
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies in the database, such as missing or corrupted entries related to the billing document.
  Document Deletion: The billing document or its items may have been deleted or not properly created.
  Incorrect Document Flow: The billing document may not be linked correctly to the preceding documents (like sales orders or delivery documents).
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the billing document.
  System Bugs: There could be bugs or issues in the SAP system that lead to this error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Document Status: Verify the status of the billing document in the system. Ensure that it exists and is not deleted or archived.
  Recreate the Document: If the document is missing or corrupted, consider recreating it from the original sales order or delivery.
  Check for Inconsistencies: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE16 (Data Browser) to check the relevant tables for inconsistencies.
  Review Document Flow: Ensure that the billing document is correctly linked to the preceding documents. You can use transaction code VF03 to display the billing document and check its flow.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the billing document. This can be checked with transaction SU53.
  SAP Notes and Support: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error. You can search the SAP Support Portal for known issues and patches.
  System Logs: Review system logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or warnings that could provide more context about the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as VF01 (Create Billing Document), VF02 (Change Billing Document), and VF03 (Display Billing Document).
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, especially if it appears to be a bug or a more complex issue.
  User Forums: Check SAP community forums or user groups for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the MN216 error and implement a suitable solution.