How To Fix SLS_LORD168 - Material ID cannot be changed due to reference document

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SLS_LORD - Lean Order Prozess

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Material ID cannot be changed due to reference document

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SLS_LORD168 - Material ID cannot be changed due to reference document ?

  The SAP error message SLS_LORD168 indicates that a material ID cannot be changed because it is linked to a reference document. This typically occurs in scenarios where the material is involved in transactions or documents that prevent modifications to its ID.
  Cause:
  
  Reference Documents: The material is referenced in other documents such as sales orders, purchase orders, production orders, or inventory documents. These references create dependencies that prevent changes to the material ID.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity rules to ensure that changes do not lead to inconsistencies in the system. Changing a material ID that is in use could lead to issues in reporting, tracking, and inventory management.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify References: Use transaction codes like SE16N or SE11 to check the database tables for any references to the material ID. Common tables to check include:
  
  MARA (General Material Data)
  MARC (Plant Data for Material)
  EKKO (Purchasing Document Header)
  EKPO (Purchasing Document Item)
  VBAK (Sales Document: Header Data)
  VBAP (Sales Document: Item Data)
  
  
  
  Remove References: If possible, remove or close any documents that reference the material ID. This may involve:
  
  Deleting or changing sales orders or purchase orders.
  Completing or canceling production orders.
  Adjusting inventory records.
  
  
  
  Consult with Stakeholders: If the material ID is critical and cannot be changed due to business processes, consult with relevant stakeholders (e.g., sales, purchasing, production) to determine the best course of action.
  
  
  Use Alternative Methods: If changing the material ID is not feasible, consider creating a new material with the desired ID and transferring any necessary data or stock from the old material to the new one.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or patches related to this error message. SAP's support portal may have additional insights or updates.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for material management, such as MM02 (Change Material), MM03 (Display Material), and MM01 (Create Material).
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to materials and related documents.
  Training and Documentation: Review SAP training materials or documentation related to material management to understand the implications of changing material IDs.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.