How To Fix QA238 - You cannot make a transfer posting without a serial number

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QA - QM : Inspection lots

• Message number: 238

• Message text: You cannot make a transfer posting without a serial number

What causes this issue?

You cannot make a transfer posting for the current inspection lot,
since serial numbers are required for goods movements of this material.

System Response

You cannot access the transaction.

How to fix this error?

Make the transfer posting after the usage decision has been made.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QA238 - You cannot make a transfer posting without a serial number ?

  The SAP error message QA238, which states "You cannot make a transfer posting without a serial number," typically occurs in the context of inventory management and quality management when dealing with materials that are serialized. This error indicates that the system requires a serial number for the material being transferred, but none has been provided.
  Cause:
  
  Serialized Material: The material in question is defined as a serialized item in the system, meaning that each unit of this material must have a unique serial number.
  Missing Serial Number: The transfer posting process is being attempted without specifying a serial number for the item.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the material master or in the transfer posting process that require serial numbers for certain transactions.
  
  Solution:
  
  Provide Serial Number: Ensure that you enter a valid serial number for the material during the transfer posting process. This can usually be done in the transaction screen where you are performing the transfer.
  Check Material Master: Verify the material master data to ensure that the item is correctly set up for serialization. You can do this by navigating to the material master record and checking the "Basic Data" and "Sales" views.
  Use Correct Transaction Code: Make sure you are using the correct transaction code for the transfer posting that supports serialized items. For example, using transaction codes like MB1B or MIGO.
  Review Configuration: If the issue persists, review the configuration settings in the SAP system related to serial number management. This may involve checking the settings in the material master or the movement types used for transfer postings.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling serialized materials and transfer postings.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Common transaction codes related to transfer postings include MIGO (Goods Movement) and MB1B (Transfer Posting).
  Serial Number Management: Familiarize yourself with how serial numbers are managed in SAP, including how to create, assign, and track them.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that the user performing the transfer posting has the necessary authorizations to handle serialized materials.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues or bugs related to serial number handling in your version of SAP.
  
  If the problem continues after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in inventory management and quality management processes.