How To Fix PA253 - A ref.employee may only be specified when the reference indicator is set

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PA - Recruitment Messages

• Message number: 253

• Message text: A ref.employee may only be specified when the reference indicator is set

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PA253 - A ref.employee may only be specified when the reference indicator is set ?

  The SAP error message PA253 indicates that a reference employee has been specified in a personnel action, but the reference indicator is not set. This error typically occurs in the context of personnel administration when trying to perform actions related to employee data, such as hiring, transferring, or changing employee details.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  You are trying to reference another employee (the reference employee) in a personnel action.
  The reference indicator, which is a flag that indicates whether a reference employee is being used, is not activated or set in the action you are trying to perform.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the PA253 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Personnel Action Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the personnel action you are using is configured to allow for a reference employee. This can be done in the SAP configuration settings (transaction code SPRO).
  Navigate to the relevant section for personnel administration and check the settings for the specific personnel action.
  
  
  
  Set the Reference Indicator:
  
  When performing the personnel action, make sure to set the reference indicator if you intend to use a reference employee. This is usually done in the action screen where you enter employee details.
  Look for a checkbox or field labeled "Reference Indicator" and ensure it is checked or set appropriately.
  
  
  
  Review Employee Data:
  
  Verify that the reference employee you are trying to use is valid and exists in the system. Check their employee number and ensure they are active in the system.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the configuration or the steps to take, refer to SAP documentation or help resources specific to your version of SAP.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, 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 PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) and PA40 (Personnel Actions) to navigate employee data and actions.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to error PA253 for additional insights or patches that may address the issue.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to perform the actions you are attempting, as restrictions may also lead to errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PA253 error and successfully complete the personnel action involving the reference employee.