How To Fix PV146 - Enter a cost center and controlling area

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PV - Training and Event Management

• Message number: 146

• Message text: Enter a cost center and controlling area

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 PV146 - Enter a cost center and controlling area ?

  The SAP error message PV146 ("Enter a cost center and controlling area") typically occurs when a user attempts to perform an action that requires the specification of a cost center and a controlling area, but one or both of these fields are left blank. This error is common in various SAP modules, particularly in Controlling (CO) and Financial Accounting (FI).
  Cause:
  
  Missing Input: The most straightforward cause is that the user has not entered a cost center or controlling area in the relevant transaction or screen.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the system where the cost center or controlling area is not properly defined or linked.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to view or select the cost center or controlling area.
  Data Entry Errors: The user may have entered an invalid cost center or controlling area that does not exist in the system.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input Fields: Ensure that both the cost center and controlling area fields are filled in correctly. If you are unsure of the values, you can use the search help (F4) to find valid entries.
  Verify Configuration: Check the configuration settings in the SAP system to ensure that the cost centers and controlling areas are correctly set up. This can be done by navigating to the relevant configuration transactions in the SAP IMG (Implementation Guide).
  User Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the cost center and controlling area. This may require coordination with your SAP security team.
  Data Validation: Validate that the cost center and controlling area you are trying to use are active and valid in the system. You can check this in the master data for cost centers and controlling areas.
  Consult Documentation: If the issue persists, consult SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error can occur in various transactions, such as creating or posting to cost centers, internal orders, or other financial documents.
  Master Data: Ensure that the cost center master data is maintained correctly in the system. You can check this using transaction codes like KS01 (Create Cost Center) or KS02 (Change Cost Center).
  Controlling Area: The controlling area is a key organizational unit in SAP CO. Make sure that the controlling area is correctly assigned to the company code and that it is active.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to this error message.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PV146 error and proceed with your tasks in SAP.