How To Fix /SCDL/DL_CONF253 - Item category must be identical for successor and predecessor items

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SCDL/DL_CONF -

• Message number: 253

• Message text: Item category must be identical for successor and predecessor items

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SCDL/DL_CONF253 - Item category must be identical for successor and predecessor items ?

  The SAP error message /SCDL/DL_CONF253 indicates that there is a mismatch in the item categories between predecessor and successor items in a configuration or change process. This error typically arises in scenarios involving product lifecycle management, variant configuration, or when managing product changes in SAP.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when you are trying to create or modify a successor item (for example, a new version of a product) that is intended to replace a predecessor item (the old version), but the item categories of these two items do not match. In SAP, item categories define how items are treated in terms of sales, inventory, and other processes. If the item categories differ, SAP cannot establish a valid relationship between the two items.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Item Categories:
  
  Verify the item categories of both the predecessor and successor items. You can do this by navigating to the material master data for both items (transaction code MM03).
  Ensure that both items have the same item category assigned.
  
  
  
  Modify Item Category:
  
  If the item categories are different, you may need to change the item category of either the predecessor or successor item to ensure they match. This can be done in the material master data using transaction code MM02.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings:
  
  If the items are part of a variant configuration, check the configuration settings to ensure that the item categories are correctly defined and aligned.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review any relevant SAP documentation or configuration guides related to item categories and product lifecycle management to ensure compliance with best practices.
  
  
  
  Test Changes:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, attempt to create or modify the successor item again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Item Categories: In SAP, item categories are defined in the material master and can affect various processes, including sales orders, inventory management, and production.
  Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Understanding how SAP PLM handles item relationships can provide insights into managing product changes effectively.
  Variant Configuration: If you are working with configurable products, ensure that the configuration profiles and dependencies are correctly set up.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message.