How To Fix SEPM_BO_COMMON317 - Supplier cannot be changed as long as there are items

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SEPM_BO_COMMON - EPM: Common Messages for EPM Business Objects

• Message number: 317

• Message text: Supplier cannot be changed as long as there are items

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SEPM_BO_COMMON317 - Supplier cannot be changed as long as there are items ?

  The SAP error message SEPM_BO_COMMON317 indicates that you are trying to change the supplier (vendor) for a purchase order or a similar document while there are already items associated with that supplier. This restriction is in place to maintain data integrity and ensure that the relationships between items and suppliers are consistent.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  You attempt to change the supplier for a document (like a purchase order) that already has line items associated with the current supplier.
  The system prevents changes to the supplier to avoid inconsistencies in the data, as items are linked to specific suppliers.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Remove Items: If it is appropriate for your business process, you can remove all items associated with the current supplier before attempting to change the supplier. This may involve deleting the items or changing their status.
  
  
  Create a New Document: If the items cannot be removed or if they are critical, consider creating a new purchase order or document with the desired supplier instead of changing the existing one.
  
  
  Change Item Details: If you need to change the supplier for specific items, you may need to change the supplier at the item level rather than at the document level, if your system allows it.
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator: If you are unsure about the implications of changing suppliers or if you need to maintain the current document, consult with your SAP administrator or a functional consultant. They can provide guidance based on your organization's policies and the specific configuration of your SAP system.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Check the official SAP documentation for your version of the software for more details on handling suppliers and purchase orders.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME22N (Change Purchase Order) or ME23N (Display Purchase Order) to manage purchase orders effectively.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to suppliers and purchase orders in your SAP environment.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the SEPM_BO_COMMON317 error and proceed with your procurement processes.