How To Fix /PRA/ACCOUNTING038 - Marketing Cost Type should be blank for the entered Account Category

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PRA/ACCOUNTING -

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Marketing Cost Type should be blank for the entered Account Category

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /PRA/ACCOUNTING038 - Marketing Cost Type should be blank for the entered Account Category ?

  The SAP error message /PRA/ACCOUNTING038 indicates that the Marketing Cost Type should be blank for the entered Account Category. This error typically arises in the context of Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) when there is a mismatch between the account category and the expected configuration for marketing cost types.
  Cause:
  
  Configuration Issue: The account category you are using is not configured to allow a marketing cost type. In SAP, certain account categories are designated for specific types of costs, and if the system expects a blank marketing cost type for the selected account category, but one is provided, this error will occur.
  Data Entry Error: The user may have inadvertently entered a marketing cost type when it should not have been entered for the selected account category.
  Master Data Configuration: The master data for the account category may not be set up correctly, leading to this error when trying to post or process transactions.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Account Category Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for the account categories in the SAP system (Transaction code: SPRO).
  Navigate to the relevant section for Profitability Analysis and check the settings for the account category you are using.
  Ensure that the marketing cost type is set to be blank for the specific account category.
  
  
  
  Review Data Entry:
  
  Verify the data being entered in the transaction. Ensure that you are not entering a marketing cost type when it is not required or allowed for the selected account category.
  If you are using a custom program or transaction, check the logic to ensure it aligns with the configuration.
  
  
  
  Adjust Master Data:
  
  If the account category is linked to a specific master data record (like a cost center or internal order), review that master data to ensure it is set up correctly.
  Make any necessary adjustments to the master data to align with the expected configuration.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources related to Profitability Analysis and account categories to understand the specific requirements and configurations.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, perform a test transaction to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KE51 (Create Profitability Segment), KE52 (Change Profitability Segment), and KE53 (Display Profitability Segment) for managing profitability segments.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Roles: Ensure that the user has the appropriate roles and authorizations to make changes to the configuration or master data.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP functional consultant who specializes in CO-PA for further assistance.