How To Fix /SPE/DIRDLV018 - Item category &1 cannot be used with outbound deliveries

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SPE/DIRDLV -

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Item category &1 cannot be used with outbound deliveries

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SPE/DIRDLV018 - Item category &1 cannot be used with outbound deliveries ?

  The SAP error message /SPE/DIRDLV018 Item category &1 cannot be used with outbound deliveries typically occurs when there is an issue with the item category configuration in the context of outbound deliveries. This error indicates that the specific item category you are trying to use is not allowed for outbound delivery processing.
  Cause:
  
  Item Category Configuration: The item category specified in the error message is not configured to be used with outbound deliveries. This can happen if the item category is meant for other purposes (e.g., internal use, service items) and not for shipping or delivery.
  Delivery Type: The delivery type being used may not be compatible with the item category.
  Master Data Issues: The material master or the sales document may have incorrect settings that lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Item Category Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for item categories in the SAP system (Transaction code: VOV4).
  Verify that the item category you are using is set up for outbound deliveries. You may need to adjust the settings or choose a different item category that is compatible with outbound deliveries.
  
  
  
  Review Delivery Type:
  
  Ensure that the delivery type you are using is appropriate for the item category. You can check the delivery type settings in the configuration (Transaction code: OVLH).
  Make sure that the item category is allowed for the specific delivery type.
  
  
  
  Material Master Data:
  
  Check the material master data for the item in question (Transaction code: MM03).
  Ensure that the item category is correctly assigned and that the material is set up for sales and distribution.
  
  
  
  Sales Document Configuration:
  
  If the item is part of a sales order, check the sales document type and item category assignment (Transaction code: VOV6).
  Ensure that the item category is correctly assigned to the sales document type.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team for specific guidelines related to item categories and outbound deliveries.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to sales and distribution, such as VA01 (Create Sales Order), VL01N (Create Outbound Delivery), and MM03 (Display Material).
  Testing: After making changes, perform tests to ensure that the error is resolved and that outbound deliveries can be processed successfully.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement the necessary changes to resolve it.