How To Fix N2M187 - The association data could not be determined clearly

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: N2M - Global Trade: Item Category Management

• Message number: 187

• Message text: The association data could not be determined clearly

What causes this issue?

You want to process an association between &V1& &V2& and association
partners/candidates &V3& &V4&.

System Response

Due to the data that is defaulted, the system could not clearly
determine the association data.
Processing was cancelled.

How to fix this error?

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

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 N2M187 - The association data could not be determined clearly ?

  The SAP error message N2M187, which states "The association data could not be determined clearly," typically occurs in the context of the SAP system when there is an issue with the association of data, particularly in the area of master data or transactional data. This error can arise in various modules, including Materials Management (MM), Sales and Distribution (SD), or others where data associations are critical.
  Causes:
  
  Missing or Incomplete Data: The error may occur if there are missing or incomplete entries in the master data that are required for the association to be established.
  Incorrect Configuration: Configuration settings in the relevant module may not be set up correctly, leading to ambiguity in data associations.
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the data, such as duplicate entries or conflicting information that prevents the system from determining the correct association.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to access certain data, leading to this error.
  Custom Developments: If there are custom programs or enhancements in place, they may not be handling data associations correctly.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Master Data: Review the relevant master data (e.g., customer master, vendor master, material master) to ensure that all required fields are filled out correctly and that there are no duplicates or inconsistencies.
  Review Configuration: Verify the configuration settings in the relevant module to ensure that they are set up correctly. This may involve checking settings in transaction codes like SPRO.
  Data Consistency Check: Use transaction codes like SE11 or SE16 to check for inconsistencies in the database tables related to the data in question.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user encountering the error has the necessary authorizations to access the data. This can be checked in transaction SU53 or by consulting with the security team.
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the program or transaction that is generating the error to identify the exact point of failure.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional guidance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE16 (Data Browser), and SPRO (Customizing).
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to the specific module you are working with for best practices on data management and configuration.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.