How To Fix UMB201 - You are not authorized to change document '&'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UMB - SEM-CPM: Balanced Scorecard

• Message number: 201

• Message text: You are not authorized to change document '&'

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Contact your system administrator.

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 UMB201 - You are not authorized to change document '&' ?

  The SAP error message UMB201, which states "You are not authorized to change document '&'", typically indicates that the user does not have the necessary authorization to modify a specific document in the SAP system. This can occur in various contexts, such as when trying to change a purchase order, sales order, or any other document type.
  Cause:
  
  Authorization Issues: The user lacks the required authorization object or role that permits them to change the specific document type.
  Document Status: The document may be in a status that does not allow changes (e.g., it might be locked or completed).
  User Profile: The user profile may not be correctly set up to allow changes to that document type.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Use transaction code SU53 immediately after encountering the error to see which authorization check failed. This will provide insight into what specific authorization object is missing.
  Review the user's roles and authorizations in transaction PFCG to ensure they have the necessary permissions to change the document.
  
  
  
  Request Additional Authorizations:
  
  If the user lacks the necessary authorizations, they should contact their SAP security team or system administrator to request the required roles or authorizations.
  
  
  
  Document Status Check:
  
  Verify the status of the document. If it is in a status that does not allow changes, you may need to change the status or follow the appropriate process to unlock or modify the document.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or internal guidelines related to the specific document type to understand the authorization requirements.
  
  
  
  Testing in a Development Environment:
  
  If possible, test the changes in a development or sandbox environment to ensure that the necessary authorizations are in place before applying them in the production environment.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Authorization Objects: Common authorization objects related to document changes include M_BEST_BSA for purchasing documents, V_VBAK_AAT for sales documents, etc. The specific object will depend on the document type.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SU01 (User Maintenance), PFCG (Role Maintenance), and SU53 (Authorization Check).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to authorization errors.
  
  If the problem persists after checking these areas, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis or security team for further investigation.