How To Fix SD_FREE_GOODS_MSG021 - Distribution channel is required.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SD_FREE_GOODS_MSG - Message class for Free Goods maintenance

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Distribution channel is required.

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SD_FREE_GOODS_MSG021 - Distribution channel is required. ?

  The SAP error message SD_FREE_GOODS_MSG021 indicates that a distribution channel is required for processing free goods in the Sales and Distribution (SD) module. This error typically occurs when you are trying to create or process a sales order, delivery, or billing document that involves free goods, but the system cannot find a valid distribution channel associated with the transaction.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Distribution Channel: The distribution channel field is not filled in the sales order or the relevant document.
  Configuration Issues: The distribution channel may not be properly configured in the system for the relevant sales area (Sales Organization, Distribution Channel, Division).
  Master Data Issues: The customer master or material master may not have the necessary data for the specified distribution channel.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Sales Order/Document:
  
  Ensure that the distribution channel is filled in the sales order or document you are trying to process. You can do this by navigating to the relevant field in the sales order screen.
  
  
  
  Verify Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in SAP and check if the distribution channel is correctly set up for the sales organization and division.
  Use transaction code SPRO to access the configuration menu and navigate to:
  
  Sales and Distribution ? Basic Functions ? Free Goods ? Define Free Goods.
  
  
  Ensure that the free goods settings are correctly assigned to the relevant distribution channels.
  
  
  
  Check Master Data:
  
  Verify the customer master data (transaction code XD03) to ensure that the distribution channel is correctly assigned.
  Check the material master data (transaction code MM03) to ensure that the material is available for the specified distribution channel.
  
  
  
  Test with Different Data:
  
  If possible, try creating a sales order with a different distribution channel to see if the issue persists. This can help identify if the problem is specific to a certain distribution channel.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to free goods processing to ensure that all necessary steps and configurations are followed.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  VA01: Create Sales Order
  VA02: Change Sales Order
  VA03: Display Sales Order
  XD03: Display Customer Master
  MM03: Display Material Master
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Free Goods Configuration: Understanding how free goods are configured in your SAP system can help in troubleshooting related issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SD_FREE_GOODS_MSG021 error.