How To Fix STEP553 - Too many alternatives for BOM header (mat: &1, plant: &2, usage: &3)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: STEP - ISO 10303 STEP Mapping Messages

• Message number: 553

• Message text: Too many alternatives for BOM header (mat: &1, plant: &2, usage: &3)

What causes this issue?

To many alternatives are assigned to the BOM header.

System Response

The additional alternatives are ignored.

How to fix this error?

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

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message STEP553 - Too many alternatives for BOM header (mat: &1, plant: &2, usage: &3) ?

  The SAP error message "STEP553 Too many alternatives for BOM header (mat: &1, plant: &2, usage: &3)" typically occurs in the context of Bill of Materials (BOM) processing. This error indicates that there are too many alternative BOMs defined for a specific material in a given plant and usage. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Excessive Alternatives: The system has encountered more alternative BOMs than it can handle for the specified material, plant, and usage. This can happen if multiple BOMs are created for the same material without proper management.
  Configuration Limits: SAP has certain limits on the number of alternatives that can be processed. If this limit is exceeded, the error will be triggered.
  Data Integrity Issues: There may be inconsistencies or errors in the BOM data that lead to the system misinterpreting the number of alternatives.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Review BOM Alternatives:
  
  Go to the BOM management transaction (e.g., CS03 or CS02) and check the alternatives for the specified material, plant, and usage.
  Identify and remove any unnecessary or duplicate BOM alternatives.
  
  
  
  Limit the Number of Alternatives:
  
  If there are too many alternatives, consider consolidating them. You may need to evaluate which BOMs are actually needed and which can be removed or combined.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration Settings:
  
  Review the configuration settings related to BOM processing in your SAP system. Ensure that they are set up correctly and that you are not exceeding any predefined limits.
  
  
  
  Data Cleanup:
  
  Perform a data cleanup to ensure that there are no orphaned or incorrect BOM records that could be causing the issue.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to BOM management for any specific guidelines or limitations regarding the number of alternatives.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance. They may provide patches or additional insights into the problem.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  BOM Usage: Understand the different usages of BOMs (e.g., production, engineering) and how they affect the alternatives.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CS01 (Create BOM), CS02 (Change BOM), and CS03 (Display BOM).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "STEP553 Too many alternatives for BOM header" error and manage your BOMs more effectively.