How To Fix PPH_MRP018 - Planning run for material &1 in plant &2 has already been started

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PPH_MRP -

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Planning run for material &1 in plant &2 has already been started

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PPH_MRP018 - Planning run for material &1 in plant &2 has already been started ?

  The SAP error message PPH_MRP018 indicates that a planning run for a specific material in a particular plant has already been initiated. This error typically occurs in the context of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) when a user attempts to start a new planning run for a material that is already being processed.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Planning Runs: The most common cause of this error is that a planning run for the specified material and plant is already in progress. SAP does not allow multiple planning runs for the same material and plant to avoid data inconsistencies.
  Long-Running Processes: If a previous planning run is taking longer than expected, it may still be active when a new planning run is attempted.
  System Locking: The system may have a lock on the material due to ongoing processes or transactions that are preventing a new planning run from being initiated.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Active Planning Runs: Use transaction codes like MD04 (Stock/Requirements List) or MD05 (MRP List) to check if there is an active planning run for the material in question. You can also check the job overview using transaction SM37 to see if there are any background jobs related to MRP that are still running.
  Wait for Completion: If a planning run is currently in progress, you may need to wait for it to complete before starting a new one.
  Terminate Long-Running Jobs: If you find that a planning run is stuck or taking too long, you may need to terminate the job using transaction SM37. Be cautious with this approach, as terminating a job can lead to data inconsistencies.
  Review Job Scheduling: If this issue occurs frequently, consider reviewing the scheduling of MRP runs to ensure they do not overlap.
  Consult with Basis Team: If you suspect that the issue is related to system performance or locking, consult with your SAP Basis team to investigate further.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MD01 (MRP Run), MD02 (MRP Run for Single Material), MD04, MD05, and SM37.
  MRP Configuration: Ensure that your MRP settings and parameters are correctly configured to avoid overlapping planning runs.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues or bugs related to MRP planning runs.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PPH_MRP018 error and successfully manage your MRP planning runs.