How To Fix OE016 - Material & cannot substitute material &


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: OE - IS-Oil: ITA/TPI messages

  • Message number: 016

  • Message text: Material & cannot substitute material &

  • Show details Hide details


  • 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.



    What else can you do?

    First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

    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.

    You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message OE016 - Material & cannot substitute material & ?

    The SAP error message OE016, which states "Material & cannot substitute material &," typically occurs in the context of material substitution in SAP. This error indicates that the system is unable to find a valid substitute for the specified material in the context of a sales order, production order, or other related processes.

    Causes:

    1. Missing Substitution Data: The material that is being referenced does not have a defined substitute in the system.
    2. Incorrect Configuration: The substitution settings may not be properly configured in the material master or in the relevant substitution rules.
    3. Material Status: The material may be blocked or have a status that prevents it from being used as a substitute.
    4. Master Data Issues: There may be issues with the material master data, such as missing or incorrect entries in the relevant fields.
    5. User Authorization: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the substitute material.

    Solutions:

    1. Check Substitution Settings:

      • Go to the material master (transaction code MM03) for the material in question and check the "Substitution" view to ensure that a valid substitute is defined.
      • If no substitute is defined, you may need to create one.
    2. Review Material Status:

      • Check the status of both the original and substitute materials to ensure they are active and not blocked for use.
    3. Update Master Data:

      • Ensure that all relevant fields in the material master are correctly filled out, including the basic data, sales data, and purchasing data.
    4. Check Configuration:

      • Review the configuration settings for material substitution in the relevant customizing settings (transaction code SPRO). Ensure that the substitution rules are correctly set up.
    5. User Authorization:

      • Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and use the substitute material.
    6. Consult Documentation:

      • Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on material substitution and error handling.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes:

      • MM03: Display Material Master
      • SPRO: Customizing Implementation Guide
      • VA01/VA02: Create/Change Sales Order (to see if the error occurs during sales order processing)
    • SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.

    • Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.

    By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the OE016 error and implement a solution to resolve it.

    • Do you have any question about this error?


      Upgrade now to chat with this error.


Instant HelpGet instant SAP help. Start your 7-day free trial now.


Related SAP Error Messages

Click the links below to see the following related messages:

Click on this link to search all SAP messages.


Rating
ERPlingo's SAP support assistant is amazing. Saves me countless hours trying to solve complex SAP issues myself. It's a real game changer!
Rate 1
Thomas Michael
SAP Consultant, Author & Speaker