How To Fix SO812 - <&> is not defined as a substitute for <&>

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SO - SAPoffice: message texts

• Message number: 812

• Message text: <&> is not defined as a substitute for <&>

What causes this issue?

There is no substitution between the specified users. The substitution
is not possible.

System Response

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

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 SO812 - <&> is not defined as a substitute for <&> ?

  The SAP error message SO812 indicates that a specific material or product is not defined as a substitute for another material or product in the system. This error typically arises in scenarios involving sales orders, material management, or when trying to process transactions that involve product substitutions.
  Cause:
  
  
  Missing Substitution Definition: The primary cause of this error is that the system does not have a defined substitution relationship between the two materials. This means that the material you are trying to use as a substitute is not set up in the system to replace the original material.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration settings in the material master or the substitution settings in the system.
  
  
  Data Inconsistencies: Sometimes, data inconsistencies or missing entries in the material master records can lead to this error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Define Substitution:
  
  Go to the transaction code OVB1 (or navigate through the SAP menu: Logistics > Sales and Distribution > Master Data > Product Substitution).
  Create a new substitution record where you define the original material and the substitute material.
  Ensure that the substitution is active and meets the necessary criteria (e.g., valid dates, sales organization).
  
  
  
  Check Material Master:
  
  Verify that both the original and substitute materials are correctly set up in the material master.
  Ensure that the materials are active and not blocked for sales or other relevant processes.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings related to product substitution in the system. This may involve reviewing the settings in the Sales and Distribution (SD) module.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help files for more detailed instructions on setting up product substitutions.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the transaction again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as OVB1 for defining substitutions, MM02 for changing material master data, and VA01 for creating sales orders.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to material master data and substitution settings.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues or provide additional guidance related to this error message.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in the Sales and Distribution module.