How To Fix PO394 - **** Device definitions MUST be processed later in the target system ***

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 394

• Message text: **** Device definitions MUST be processed later in the target system ***

What causes this issue?

You want to transport one or more spool output devices.

System Response

The local definition of a device in this system is transported.

How to fix this error?

In the target system, you must adapt the spool servers for each device
transported. This is because the system name is used in the instance
names and it differs in the target system from the name of the current
system. Logical instance names are an exception; they are defined
identically in both systems.
When selecting the new spool servers, ensure the host spool device
names configured on the respective host are valid (access method L).
If you are using destination hosts (access method U or S), you must
ensure that they can be accessed by the new host. Otherwise the
configured device cannot be activated. If the host name of the
destination host is defined differently here, you must also adapt the
entry in the device definition.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Note: To assign a new spool server, choose menu options "Utilities" ->
"For output devices" -> "Assign server".

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO394 - **** Device definitions MUST be processed later in the target system *** ?

  The SAP error message PO394, which states "Device definitions MUST be processed later in the target system," typically occurs during the transport of device definitions (like printer configurations) from one SAP system to another. This error indicates that the transport request containing device definitions cannot be processed immediately in the target system due to dependencies or the order of processing.
  Cause:
  
  Dependency on Other Objects: Device definitions may depend on other objects (like output devices or spool settings) that need to be processed first.
  Transport Order: The transport order may not be correct, meaning that the device definitions are being transported before the necessary prerequisites are in place.
  System Configuration: The target system may not be configured to accept the device definitions at the time of transport.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Transport Order: Ensure that the transport request containing the device definitions is processed after any related transport requests that define the necessary prerequisites.
  Manual Processing: If the transport cannot be processed automatically, you may need to manually create or adjust the device definitions in the target system.
  Review Dependencies: Check for any dependencies that the device definitions have on other objects and ensure those are transported and activated first.
  Use Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like SPAD (Spool Administration) to manage and check the status of output devices and their definitions.
  Re-transport: If necessary, you may need to re-transport the device definitions after ensuring that all dependencies are met.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to transport issues and device definitions for any specific guidance or patches that may address this error.
  Transport Management System (TMS): Familiarize yourself with TMS to understand how transports are managed and the order in which they should be processed.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on output management and device configuration for best practices in managing device definitions.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.