How To Fix PROD_SUBSTN003 - Substitute & does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PROD_SUBSTN - Messages for Product Substitution

• Message number: 003

• Message text: Substitute & does not exist

Self-Explanatory Message

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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 PROD_SUBSTN003 - Substitute & does not exist ?

  The SAP error message PROD_SUBSTN003 indicates that a substitute for a product does not exist in the system. This error typically arises in scenarios involving product substitution, such as in sales orders, production orders, or inventory management, where a user attempts to substitute one product for another, but the system cannot find a valid substitute.
  Cause:
  
  
  Missing Substitute Definition: The primary cause of this error is that the substitute product has not been defined in the system. This could be due to:
  
  The substitute product not being created in the material master.
  The substitution relationship not being established in the system.
  
  
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration settings for product substitution may not be set up correctly, leading to the system not recognizing the substitute.
  
  
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies or missing data in the material master records or in the substitution settings.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Define Substitute Products:
  
  Go to the material master record of the main product and check the "Substitutes" tab.
  Ensure that the substitute product is defined correctly. If it is not, you will need to create a new substitute entry.
  
  
  
  Check Substitution Settings:
  
  Navigate to the relevant configuration settings in SAP (usually in the IMG under Sales and Distribution or Material Management) to ensure that the substitution logic is correctly configured.
  Ensure that the substitution strategy is set up properly.
  
  
  
  Material Master Data:
  
  Verify that both the main product and the substitute product exist in the material master and are active.
  Check the status of the materials to ensure they are not blocked or inactive.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the substitution functionality again to ensure that the error does not reoccur.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to product substitution for additional guidance on configuration and setup.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like MM02 (Change Material) to modify material master records or OVB1 (Define Substitutes) to manage substitution settings.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to material master data and substitution settings.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide additional guidance on this error message.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in the relevant module (e.g., SD or MM) for further assistance.