How To Fix MN817 - You are updating the "actual" data (see long text)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 817

• Message text: You are updating the "actual" data (see long text)

What causes this issue?

Version '000' contains the data updated from dialog mode (goods
receiving, invoice verification). This will be changed through the
updating of the external supplier business volume data without there
being any relevant ordering or invoice verification documents.
Under certain circumstances, this can have serious consequences.

System Response

If you respond to the confirmation prompt with "Yes", the program will
be run.

How to fix this error?

Please check that you really wish to change the actual data for version
'000'.
You can adopt one of the following approaches:

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

You can, of course, update the data directly in version '000'. However,
since - despite all precautionary measures - errors with grave
consequences may occur when you do this, take care to do the following:
Be sure to carry out a test run.
If necessary, create a backup copy of version '000'.
Take suitable organizational measures to ensure that the data transfer
is carried out properly (import file once only, consistency of supplier
business volume data, etc.).
At all events, archive the external files so that these are available in
the event of any necessary recompilation.
If supplier business volume data is updated both in dialog mode as well
as via external data transfer, in the case of a new compilation of the
supplier business volume from purchasing documents or a new compilation
for a subsequently entered rebate arrangement, all affected external
data files must also be imported.
Please note that the function "Detailed statement: purchasing documents"
only covers the supplier business volume stemming from purchasing
documents (that is to say that there will be differences between this
and the statistical data).
Initially, you can compile the supplier business volume data (for test
purposes or in the first transfer of old/historic data) under a version
number beginning with the characters '&('. You can specify the third
character yourself. Following successful compilation, the data can be
recopied into version '000' using report 'RMCVISCP'.
If data already exists, you can first create a copy of the data (e.g.
under the version number '&(1'), then carry out the updating of the
external data under the version number '&(1', then check the data, and
finally copy the latter into the version number '000' (Report RMCVISCP).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MN817 - You are updating the "actual" data (see long text) ?

  The SAP error message MN817 typically indicates that you are attempting to update "actual" data in a way that is not permitted. This often occurs in the context of inventory management or production planning, where certain data is locked or restricted to prevent inconsistencies in reporting and analysis.
  Cause:
  
  Data Locking: The system may be preventing updates to actual data to maintain data integrity. This is common in scenarios where actual costs or quantities have already been posted.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to make changes to actual data.
  System Configuration: Certain configurations in the system may restrict updates to actual data, especially if the data is already finalized or closed for a period.
  Transaction Type: The transaction you are trying to perform may not allow changes to actual data.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to update the actual data. You may need to contact your SAP security administrator.
  Review Transaction Type: Verify that the transaction you are using is appropriate for the type of data you are trying to update. If you need to make changes to actual data, consider using a different transaction or process.
  Consult Long Text: Read the long text associated with the error message for specific guidance on what is causing the issue and how to resolve it.
  Use Correct Period: If the data is locked due to period closing, you may need to wait until the period is reopened or consult with your finance team to make necessary adjustments.
  Data Entry: If you are trying to enter data that should be recorded as planned rather than actual, ensure you are using the correct fields or transactions.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to the specific module you are working with (e.g., MM, PP) for guidelines on handling actual data.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP helpdesk for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the MN817 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.