How To Fix MW042 - The quantities are too large (quantitiy field overflow) &1 &2 &3 &4

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MW - Messages IS-R / Allocation Tables

• Message number: 042

• Message text: The quantities are too large (quantitiy field overflow) &1 &2 &3 &4

What causes this issue?

The system calculated a quantity that is larger than the possible value
that can be entered in the quantity field.
This led to an overflow of the quantity field.
The error can occur when the system:
Adds up the site quantities
In this case the item quantity or the site group quantity cannot be
saved
Adds up the site group quantities
In this case the item quantity cannot be saved.
Calculates the order quantity
In this case the figures overflowed when the quantity (in the
allocation unit of measure) was converted to the order quantity (in
order units).

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

System Response

INCLUDE ISR_VERARBEITUNG

How to fix this error?

Check if the quantities were entered correctly
If they were, you have to create several items with the same article
number for each article affected and divide the total quantity among
the items. Only a certain fraction of the sites that are meant to
receive the article are assigned to an item with a partial quantity of
an article.

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 MW042 - The quantities are too large (quantitiy field overflow) &1 &2 &3 &4 ?

  The SAP error message MW042, which states "The quantities are too large (quantity field overflow) &1 &2 &3 &4," typically occurs when the system encounters a quantity that exceeds the maximum limit defined for a particular field in the database. This can happen in various transactions, such as inventory management, sales orders, or production orders, where large quantities are being processed.
  Cause:
  
  
  Exceeding Field Limits: The quantity being entered or processed exceeds the maximum allowable value for the quantity field in the database. This can happen if:
  
  You are trying to enter a quantity that is too large for the data type defined in the database (e.g., an integer field).
  The system is calculating a total quantity that exceeds the limit due to multiple line items or calculations.
  
  
  
  Data Type Constraints: Different fields in SAP have specific data types and limits. For example, a field defined as a 4-byte integer can typically hold values from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647. If the quantity exceeds this range, the overflow error will occur.
  
  
  Incorrect Configuration: Sometimes, the configuration of the material master or other related settings may not be aligned with the expected quantity ranges.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Quantity Values: Review the quantities being entered or processed. Ensure that they are within the acceptable limits for the specific transaction or field.
  
  
  Adjust Data Entry: If you are entering a quantity manually, consider breaking it down into smaller quantities that are within the limits.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings for the material master, sales order, or any relevant module to ensure that they are set up correctly. This includes reviewing the data types and limits defined for quantity fields.
  
  
  Use Alternative Units of Measure: If applicable, consider using alternative units of measure that may allow for larger quantities without exceeding the limits.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on the limits for quantity fields in the relevant module.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They may provide insights based on the specific configuration and version of your SAP system.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error can occur in various transaction codes, such as MIGO (Goods Movement), MB1A (Goods Withdrawal), or VA01 (Sales Order Creation).
  Field Definitions: Understanding the data types and limits for quantity fields in the relevant tables can help diagnose the issue.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide guidance on handling large quantities.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the MW042 error and implement a suitable solution.