How To Fix PZ685 - > An arbitrary alternative payer is not allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PZ - Messages: Payment program for payment requests

• Message number: 685

• Message text: > An arbitrary alternative payer is not allowed

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PZ685 - > An arbitrary alternative payer is not allowed ?

  The SAP error message PZ685, which states "An arbitrary alternative payer is not allowed," typically occurs in the context of billing or invoicing processes within the SAP system. This error indicates that the system has encountered a situation where an alternative payer has been specified in a way that is not permitted by the configuration or business rules set up in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Configuration Issues: The system may not be configured to allow arbitrary alternative payers for the specific transaction or document type you are working with.
  Master Data Issues: The customer master data may not be set up correctly, or the alternative payer may not be defined properly in the system.
  Transaction Type Restrictions: Certain transaction types may have restrictions on using alternative payers, especially if they are not set up to handle such cases.
  Missing Authorizations: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to assign an alternative payer.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings in the SAP system related to billing and invoicing. Ensure that the settings allow for alternative payers where necessary.
  
  Transaction codes like SPRO can be used to access configuration settings.
  Look for settings under Sales and Distribution (SD) > Billing > Billing Documents > Define Alternative Payer.
  
  
  
  Review Customer Master Data: Ensure that the customer master data for both the payer and the alternative payer is correctly set up.
  
  Use transaction code XD03 to display customer master data and verify the details.
  
  
  
  Use Valid Alternative Payer: Ensure that the alternative payer being used is valid and recognized by the system. It should be a customer that is set up in the system and has the necessary attributes.
  
  
  Check Transaction Type: Verify that the transaction type you are using allows for alternative payers. If not, you may need to adjust the transaction type or use a different one that supports this feature.
  
  
  User Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to assign an alternative payer. This may involve checking roles and permissions in the user profile.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If the issue persists, consult SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  Testing: After making changes, conduct tests to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the billing process works as expected.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.