How To Fix RO218 - Flow "&1 &2 &3" can only be combined if they have the same sign (+/-)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RO - Messages for (R)eferences between (O)bject numbers

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Flow "&1 &2 &3" can only be combined if they have the same sign (+/-)

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 RO218 - Flow "&1 &2 &3" can only be combined if they have the same sign (+/-) ?

  The SAP error message RO218 indicates that there is an issue with the flow types being combined in a financial or controlling report. Specifically, the error states that the flow types (represented by placeholders &1, &2, and &3) cannot be combined because they have different signs (positive or negative). This typically occurs in scenarios where financial data is being aggregated or analyzed, such as in reports or during the execution of certain transactions.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the flow types involved in the calculation or report have different signs. For example, if one flow type represents income (positive) and another represents expenses (negative), the system will not allow them to be combined in a single calculation or report.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Flow Types: Review the flow types involved in the transaction or report. Identify which flow types are being combined and their respective signs.
  
  
  Adjust Flow Types: If possible, adjust the flow types so that they all have the same sign. This may involve changing the configuration of the flow types or modifying the report parameters.
  
  
  Separate Reports: If the flow types cannot be adjusted to have the same sign, consider running separate reports for each flow type or grouping them in a way that avoids the combination of different signs.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the flow types you are working with. This may provide insights into how to handle the data correctly.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide assistance based on your specific configuration and requirements.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Flow Types: In SAP, flow types are used to categorize financial transactions. Understanding the nature of each flow type (e.g., income, expense, transfer) is crucial for accurate reporting.
  Financial Reporting: This error often arises in financial reporting contexts, such as during the execution of financial statements, balance sheets, or cash flow reports.
  SAP Configuration: The configuration of flow types can be managed in the SAP system, and it may be necessary to review the settings in the relevant modules (e.g., FI, CO) to ensure they align with your reporting needs.
  
  By following these steps and understanding the underlying cause of the error, you should be able to resolve the issue effectively.