How To Fix SE396 - Value of specs. less than zero (function cannot be performed)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SE - Dienstleistungen Stammdaten Leistungsposition

• Message number: 396

• Message text: Value of specs. less than zero (function cannot be performed)

What causes this issue?

The service specifications contain lines with negative values.
Service lines with negative values are only allowed if the following
conditions are fulfilled:

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

The total value of the specifications is positive.
The total value of each account assignment is positive.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SE396 - Value of specs. less than zero (function cannot be performed) ?

  The SAP error message SE396, which states "Value of specs. less than zero (function cannot be performed)," typically occurs in the context of SAP when a certain specification or parameter value is expected to be non-negative but is found to be less than zero. This can happen in various modules, such as Material Management (MM), Production Planning (PP), or Quality Management (QM), depending on the specific context in which the error arises.
  Causes:
  
  
  Negative Values in Input Fields: The most common cause is that a user has entered a negative value in a field that does not accept it. This could be in a transaction related to inventory, production, or quality specifications.
  
  
  Data Entry Errors: Mistakes during data entry, such as incorrect calculations or misinterpretation of units, can lead to negative values being processed.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: Sometimes, the configuration of the system or the specific module may not be set up correctly, leading to unexpected behavior.
  
  
  Custom Code or Enhancements: If there are custom developments or enhancements in the SAP system, they might not handle certain scenarios correctly, resulting in negative values being processed.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Input Values: Review the input values in the transaction where the error occurred. Ensure that all values are non-negative and make corrections as necessary.
  
  
  Review Configuration: If the error persists, check the configuration settings related to the module you are working in. Ensure that all settings are correct and that there are no constraints that could lead to negative values.
  
  
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can trace the execution of the program to identify where the negative value is being generated. This can help pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files related to the specific transaction or module to understand the expected input values and constraints.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes depending on the context (e.g., MM01 for material creation, CO01 for production order creation, etc.).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide guidance on similar issues.
  User Forums: SAP Community and other user forums can be valuable resources for finding similar issues faced by other users and their solutions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the SE396 error and implement a solution to resolve it.