How To Fix N2M278 - Automat. association not possible; first release trading contract &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 278

• Message text: Automat. association not possible; first release trading contract &1

What causes this issue?

You have changed the quantity of an item.

System Response

As the item is completely associated with an association partner it
should be automatically adjusted. However, this is not possible as the
association partner's trading contract was not released after a change
or the release was not successful.
For this reason the quantity change is refused.

How to fix this error?

First release the trading contract (&V1&) for your association partner.

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 N2M278 - Automat. association not possible; first release trading contract &1 ?

  The SAP error message N2M278, which states "Automat. association not possible; first release trading contract &1," typically occurs in the context of managing trading contracts in SAP, particularly when dealing with automatic associations in the context of contract management.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when there is an attempt to automatically associate a trading contract with another document (like a purchase order or sales order) without first releasing the trading contract. The trading contract must be in a released state before it can be associated with other documents.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should follow these steps:
  
  
  Release the Trading Contract: 
  
  Navigate to the transaction where you manage trading contracts (e.g., transaction code N2M1 for managing trading contracts).
  Locate the specific trading contract indicated by the error message (the &1 will be replaced by the contract number).
  Check the status of the contract. If it is not released, you will need to release it.
  Follow the necessary steps to release the contract, which may involve approvals or completing certain fields.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies: 
  
  Ensure that all prerequisites for releasing the trading contract are met. This may include checking for any missing information or approvals.
  
  
  
  Re-attempt the Association: 
  
  Once the trading contract is released, try to perform the action that triggered the error again (e.g., associating it with another document).
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as N2M1 for managing trading contracts, N2M2 for displaying contracts, and others that may be relevant to your specific SAP environment.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to release trading contracts and perform associations.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or documentation that may provide additional insights or updates related to this error message.
  Consult Documentation: Review the SAP Help Portal or your organization's internal documentation for specific guidelines on managing trading contracts.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP's official support channels for further assistance.