How To Fix /SCMB/ORDER181 - Purchase order number could not be assigned

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SCMB/ORDER -

• Message number: 181

• Message text: Purchase order number could not be assigned

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SCMB/ORDER181 - Purchase order number could not be assigned ?

  The SAP error message /SCMB/ORDER181 indicating that a purchase order number could not be assigned typically arises in the context of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) module, particularly when dealing with order management and integration with purchasing processes. Here are some common causes, potential solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  
  Missing Configuration: The system may not be properly configured to assign purchase order numbers. This could be due to missing settings in the document type or number range configuration.
  
  
  Number Range Issues: The number range for purchase orders may be exhausted or not properly defined. If the system cannot find an available number in the defined range, it will throw this error.
  
  
  Document Type Issues: The document type for the purchase order may not be correctly set up or may not be allowed for the specific transaction you are trying to perform.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to create or assign purchase orders.
  
  
  Integration Issues: If the purchase order is being created as part of an integrated process (e.g., from a sales order), there may be issues with the data being passed between systems.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for purchase orders in the SCM module and ensure that the document types and number ranges are correctly set up.
  Use transaction codes like OMH1 (for number ranges) and OMH2 (for document types) to verify settings.
  
  
  
  Review Number Ranges:
  
  Check if the number range for the purchase order is defined and has available numbers. You can do this in the number range configuration settings.
  If the number range is exhausted, you may need to extend it or create a new one.
  
  
  
  Verify Document Type:
  
  Ensure that the document type you are using for the purchase order is valid and correctly configured for the intended use.
  
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to create and assign purchase orders. This can be checked in the user roles and authorizations.
  
  
  
  Debug Integration Issues:
  
  If the purchase order is being created through an integrated process, check the data being passed and ensure that all required fields are populated correctly.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Look for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for known issues.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and ME23N (Display Purchase Order) for testing and troubleshooting.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for detailed information on configuring purchase orders and troubleshooting common issues.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP experts for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.