How To Fix VC144 - Item category & is not allowed as a higher-level item category

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VC - SD Customizing

• Message number: 144

• Message text: Item category & is not allowed as a higher-level item category

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VC144 - Item category & is not allowed as a higher-level item category ?

  The SAP error message VC144 indicates that the item category specified is not allowed to be used as a higher-level item category in a sales document or a related transaction. This typically occurs in the context of variant configuration, where certain item categories are designated for specific roles in the sales order or other documents.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Item Category Assignment: The item category you are trying to use as a higher-level item category may not be configured to support that role. In SAP, item categories have specific settings that determine how they can be used in sales documents.
  Configuration Settings: The item category may not be set up correctly in the configuration settings. For example, it may not be marked as a higher-level item category in the configuration.
  Hierarchy Restrictions: There may be restrictions in the hierarchy of item categories that prevent the use of the specified item category as a higher-level item.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Item Category Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code OVAJ (or VOV4 for item category determination) to review the configuration of the item category in question.
  Ensure that the item category is allowed to be used as a higher-level item category. You may need to adjust the settings accordingly.
  
  
  
  Review Item Category Group:
  
  Check the item category group assigned to the material. Ensure that it is compatible with the intended use as a higher-level item category.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or configuration guides related to variant configuration and item categories to understand the specific requirements for higher-level item categories.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the configuration by creating a new sales order or relevant document to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Consult with SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as OVAJ, VOV4, and CS01 (for creating variant configuration profiles).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to item category configuration and variant configuration that may provide additional insights or solutions.
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing training materials or documentation on variant configuration and item category management in SAP to better understand the underlying principles.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the VC144 error and implement the necessary changes to resolve it.