How To Fix /PF1/MSG_PO_GENERAL167 - Reference BIC was substituted from &1 to &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PF1/MSG_PO_GENERAL -

• Message number: 167

• Message text: Reference BIC was substituted from &1 to &2

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 /PF1/MSG_PO_GENERAL167 - Reference BIC was substituted from &1 to &2 ?

  The SAP error message /PF1/MSG_PO_GENERAL167 indicates that there is a substitution of a reference Business Information Container (BIC) in a Purchase Order (PO) or related document. The message typically states that the reference BIC has been changed from one value (&1) to another value (&2). 
  Cause:
  This error can occur due to several reasons, including:
  
  Configuration Issues: The system may have been configured to substitute certain BICs based on specific criteria, such as business rules or settings in the system.
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the master data or transactional data that lead to the system automatically substituting one BIC for another.
  User Input Errors: Users may have entered incorrect or incomplete information that triggers the substitution.
  System Updates or Changes: Recent updates or changes in the system configuration or data model may have affected how BICs are referenced.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, you can take the following steps:
  
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings related to BICs in the relevant customizing transactions (e.g., SPRO). Ensure that the substitution rules are set up correctly.
  Check Master Data: Verify the master data for the BICs involved. Ensure that the data is consistent and correctly maintained.
  Analyze the Substitution Logic: If there are specific rules or logic that dictate the substitution of BICs, review them to understand why the substitution is occurring.
  User Training: If user input is a factor, consider providing training or guidelines to users to ensure they enter the correct information.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to this error message for any specific guidance or known issues.
  Debugging: If necessary, you may need to debug the process to see where the substitution is happening in the code.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional context.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to Purchase Orders and BIC management, such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and ME23N (Display Purchase Order).
  Support: If the issue persists and cannot be resolved through the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the substitution and implement a solution to prevent the error from occurring in the future.