How To Fix NI142 - Select a document category (purchasing document...)


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: NI - Document index processing

  • Message number: 142

  • Message text: Select a document category (purchasing document...)

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  • Self-Explanatory Message

    Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

    To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

    Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.



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    Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message NI142 - Select a document category (purchasing document...) ?

    The SAP error message NI142, which states "Select a document category (purchasing document...)," typically occurs when a user is trying to create or process a purchasing document (like a purchase order) but has not selected a valid document category. This can happen in various transactions related to purchasing, such as creating purchase orders, requests for quotations, or contracts.

    Cause:

    1. Missing Document Category: The user has not selected a document category in the relevant field.
    2. Configuration Issues: The document categories may not be properly configured in the system.
    3. User Role/Authorization: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access certain document categories.
    4. System Settings: The system may not have been set up to recognize the document categories for the specific purchasing process being executed.

    Solution:

    1. Select a Document Category: Ensure that you select a valid document category from the dropdown menu or input field when creating the purchasing document. This is usually a mandatory field.
    2. Check Configuration: If you are an administrator or have access to configuration settings, check the configuration for document categories in the purchasing module (transaction codes like SPRO can be used to access configuration settings).
    3. User Authorizations: Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to create or process the purchasing document with the selected document category. This can be checked in the user roles and authorizations.
    4. Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for specific details on the document categories available in your version of SAP.
    5. Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.

    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).
    • SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide additional insights or patches.
    • Training: If you are new to SAP or the purchasing module, consider undergoing training to better understand the system's functionalities and processes.

    By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the NI142 error and successfully create or process your purchasing documents in SAP.

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