How To Fix /PF1/MSG_PO_E238 - Reference holder is missing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PF1/MSG_PO_E -

• Message number: 238

• Message text: Reference holder is missing

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /PF1/MSG_PO_E238 - Reference holder is missing ?

  The SAP error message /PF1/MSG_PO_E238 Reference holder is missing typically occurs in the context of Purchase Order (PO) processing. This error indicates that the system is unable to find a reference holder for a particular document or transaction, which is often related to missing or incomplete data in the purchase order or related documents.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Reference Data: The reference holder (such as a vendor, material, or document) may not be properly defined or may be missing in the system.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be configuration issues in the purchasing module that prevent the system from recognizing the reference holder.
  Data Inconsistencies: There could be inconsistencies in the master data (e.g., vendor master, material master) that lead to this error.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the reference holder data.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Master Data: Verify that the relevant master data (vendor, material, etc.) is correctly maintained in the system. Ensure that the reference holder exists and is active.
  Review Purchase Order Details: Check the purchase order for any missing or incorrect entries. Ensure that all required fields are filled out correctly.
  Configuration Review: If you have access, review the configuration settings in the purchasing module to ensure that everything is set up correctly.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the reference holder data. This may involve checking user roles and permissions.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance related to the error message.
  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: You may want to check relevant transaction codes such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), or ME23N (Display Purchase Order) to investigate the issue further.
  SAP Notes: Look for SAP Notes related to this error message in the SAP Support Portal, as there may be specific patches or updates that address this issue.
  Debugging: If you have technical expertise, you can use the debugging tools in SAP to trace the error and identify the exact point of failure.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution.