How To Fix VC172 - External capacity planning is not allowed for item category &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VC - SD Customizing

• Message number: 172

• Message text: External capacity planning is not allowed for item category &1

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VC172 - External capacity planning is not allowed for item category &1 ?

  The SAP error message VC172, which states "External capacity planning is not allowed for item category &1," typically occurs in the context of production planning and control when dealing with specific item categories in the SAP system. This error indicates that the system does not permit external capacity planning for the specified item category.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the item category being used in the transaction does not support external capacity planning. In SAP, item categories are defined with specific characteristics and functionalities, and some item categories are restricted from using external capacity planning due to their nature or configuration.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Check Item Category Configuration:
  
  Review the configuration of the item category in question. You can do this by navigating to the configuration settings in the SAP system (Transaction code: OMCQ for item category configuration).
  Ensure that the item category is set up correctly for the intended use. If external capacity planning is required, you may need to change the item category or adjust its settings.
  
  
  
  Use a Different Item Category:
  
  If the current item category does not support external capacity planning, consider using a different item category that does allow for this functionality. Consult with your SAP functional team to identify an appropriate item category.
  
  
  
  Review Planning Strategy:
  
  Check the planning strategy associated with the material. Some planning strategies may not support external capacity planning. You may need to adjust the planning strategy to one that allows for external capacity planning.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more information on item categories and their capabilities. This can provide insights into which item categories support external capacity planning.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue through configuration changes or by using a different item category, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as OMCQ (for item category configuration) and OMD0 (for planning strategy configuration).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide additional insights or patches that could resolve the issue.
  User Exits and Enhancements: If your organization has custom developments, check if there are any user exits or enhancements that might be affecting the behavior of item categories and capacity planning.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the VC172 error and implement a suitable solution.