How To Fix /SAPPO/MSG020 - Selection area not clear - entries cannot be generated

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPPO/MSG -

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Selection area not clear - entries cannot be generated

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 /SAPPO/MSG020 - Selection area not clear - entries cannot be generated ?

  The SAP error message /SAPPO/MSG020 with the description "Selection area not clear - entries cannot be generated" typically occurs in the context of SAP's Project System (PS) or related modules when there is an issue with the selection criteria or parameters that are being used to generate entries, such as purchase orders, project definitions, or other related objects.
  Cause:
  
  Incomplete Selection Criteria: The selection criteria provided may not be complete or may conflict with existing data, leading to ambiguity in generating the required entries.
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the underlying data, such as missing or incorrect entries in the database that the system relies on to generate the output.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access certain data or perform the action, leading to the error.
  System Configuration: There may be configuration issues in the SAP system that prevent the selection area from being processed correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Selection Criteria: Check the selection criteria you are using to ensure they are complete and correctly defined. Make sure that all required fields are filled out and that there are no conflicting parameters.
  Check Data Integrity: Verify the integrity of the data in the relevant tables. Look for any missing or incorrect entries that could be causing the issue.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to perform the action. You may need to consult with your SAP security team to verify this.
  System Configuration Review: If the issue persists, review the system configuration related to the module you are working with. This may involve checking settings in transaction codes like SPRO or consulting with your SAP Basis team.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message. There may be patches or updates that resolve known issues.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can analyze the program logic to identify where the error is occurring and what specific conditions are leading to the failure.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may be using transaction codes like ME21N (Create Purchase Order), CJ20N (Project Builder), or others related to the specific module.
  SAP Community: Consider searching or posting in the SAP Community forums for additional insights from other users who may have encountered the same issue.
  Documentation: Review the official SAP documentation for the specific module you are working with to understand the expected behavior and requirements for generating entries.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to engage with your SAP support team or a consultant who specializes in the relevant module for further assistance.