How To Fix RP471 - Enter the cost center or order or WBS element

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RP - Error Messages for Infotype Module Pools

• Message number: 471

• Message text: Enter the cost center or order or WBS element

What causes this issue?

You have entered at least two of the CO account assignments, cost
center , order, or PSP element in the cost distribution.

System Response

In theory, this is possible, but in an ALE distribution scenario,
whereby the account assignment check is carried out remotely in the
accounting system, accounting must run in an SAP release status of 4.6
or higher. This is not so in your case.

How to fix this error?

Assign every line of cost distribution only to a cost center, order or
a PSP element.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RP471 - Enter the cost center or order or WBS element ?

  The SAP error message RP471 ("Enter the cost center or order or WBS element") typically occurs when a user is trying to post a transaction in SAP that requires a cost object, but none has been provided. This error is common in various SAP modules, particularly in Financial Accounting (FI) and Controlling (CO).
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  A user attempts to post a financial transaction (like an invoice, expense, or journal entry) without specifying a cost center, internal order, or WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) element.
  The configuration of the transaction type requires one of these cost objects to be specified, and the system cannot proceed without it.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the RP471 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Input Fields: Ensure that you have entered a valid cost center, internal order, or WBS element in the relevant fields of the transaction. If you are unsure of the correct values, you can use the search help (F4) to find valid entries.
  
  
  Review Transaction Type: Verify if the transaction type you are using requires a cost object. If it does, make sure to provide one of the required fields.
  
  
  Configuration Settings: If you are a system administrator or have access to configuration settings, check the configuration for the transaction type in the relevant module (FI/CO). Ensure that the settings align with your business processes and that the required fields are correctly defined.
  
  
  User Authorization: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the cost center, order, or WBS element. Lack of authorization can sometimes lead to the inability to select or enter these values.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are still facing issues, refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team for further assistance. They may provide insights specific to your organization's configuration.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error can occur in various transaction codes, such as FB60 (Vendor Invoice), FB70 (Customer Invoice), or others that involve financial postings.
  Cost Object Types: Familiarize yourself with the different types of cost objects in SAP:
  
  Cost Center: Used for tracking costs associated with specific departments or functions.
  Internal Order: Used for tracking costs related to specific projects or tasks.
  WBS Element: Used in project management to track costs associated with specific project components.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RP471 error and successfully complete your transaction in SAP.