How To Fix MW502 - The purchase order for the distribution center must be generated first &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 502

• Message text: The purchase order for the distribution center must be generated first &1

What causes this issue?

You want to create single-store vendor orders for the allocation table
item. In this case, the system only creates issue documents for the
recipient if the vendor orders exist.

System Response

INCLUDE ISR_STOP

How to fix this error?

Create the relevant vendor orders in advance.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MW502 - The purchase order for the distribution center must be generated first &1 ?

  The SAP error message MW502 indicates that a purchase order (PO) for a distribution center must be generated before proceeding with the transaction you are attempting. This error typically occurs in the context of inventory management or logistics when trying to process goods movements or deliveries that require a prior purchase order to be in place.
  Cause:
  
  
  Missing Purchase Order: The primary cause of this error is that the system cannot find an existing purchase order for the distribution center you are trying to work with. This could be due to:
  
  The purchase order has not been created yet.
  The purchase order was created but not saved or was deleted.
  The purchase order is not linked to the distribution center in question.
  
  
  
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be configuration issues in the system that prevent the proper linkage between the distribution center and the purchase order.
  
  
  Data Entry Errors: There might be errors in the data entry, such as incorrect plant or storage location codes.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Create a Purchase Order: 
  
  Navigate to the purchasing module in SAP and create a new purchase order for the distribution center. Ensure that all necessary details are filled out correctly, including the vendor, materials, quantities, and delivery dates.
  
  
  
  Check Existing Purchase Orders: 
  
  Use transaction codes like ME23N (Display Purchase Order) to check if there are any existing purchase orders for the distribution center. If there is an existing PO, verify that it is active and correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration: 
  
  If you have access, check the configuration settings in the SAP system to ensure that the distribution center is properly set up to accept purchase orders. This may involve checking the material master data and the purchasing info records.
  
  
  
  Consult with IT or SAP Support: 
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, it may be necessary to consult with your IT department or SAP support team. They can help investigate any underlying configuration issues or system errors.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and ME23N (Display Purchase Order).
  Master Data: Ensure that the material master and vendor master data are correctly maintained, as these can impact the creation of purchase orders.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or user manuals for detailed steps on creating and managing purchase orders.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or view purchase orders in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MW502 error and proceed with your transaction in SAP.