How To Fix /SCMTMS/SUBCONTR004 - Shipping instruction cannot be sent without specifying a business partner

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SCMTMS/SUBCONTR -

• Message number: 004

• Message text: Shipping instruction cannot be sent without specifying a business partner

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 /SCMTMS/SUBCONTR004 - Shipping instruction cannot be sent without specifying a business partner ?

  The SAP error message /SCMTMS/SUBCONTR004 indicates that a shipping instruction cannot be sent because a business partner has not been specified. This error typically occurs in the context of the SAP Transportation Management (TM) module, particularly when dealing with subcontracting processes or shipping instructions.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the absence of a required business partner in the shipping instruction. In SAP TM, a business partner (BP) is essential for various processes, including shipping, as it represents entities such as customers, vendors, or carriers involved in the logistics process. If the system cannot identify a business partner, it cannot proceed with sending the shipping instruction.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Business Partner Assignment:
  
  Ensure that a business partner is assigned to the relevant shipping instruction. This can typically be done in the shipping instruction details within the SAP TM interface.
  Navigate to the shipping instruction and verify that the "Business Partner" field is populated.
  
  
  
  Create or Update Business Partner:
  
  If a business partner does not exist, you may need to create one. Use the transaction code BP to create a new business partner in the system.
  If the business partner exists but is not correctly linked, update the shipping instruction to include the correct business partner.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings in SAP TM to ensure that business partner integration is set up correctly. This includes verifying that the necessary roles and relationships for the business partner are defined.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on managing business partners in the context of shipping instructions.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, attempt to resend the shipping instruction to confirm that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Business Partner Roles: Understand the different roles that a business partner can have in SAP TM (e.g., customer, vendor, carrier) and ensure that the correct role is assigned for the shipping instruction.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as BP for business partner management and /SCMTMS/SHIPPING_INSTRUCTION for managing shipping instructions.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional troubleshooting steps or patches that may address the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully send the shipping instruction. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team for further assistance.