How To Fix VCM_RUNTIME014 - The specified step is not an external step.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VCM_RUNTIME - Messages for runtime

• Message number: 014

• Message text: The specified step is not an external step.

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VCM_RUNTIME014 - The specified step is not an external step. ?

  The SAP error message VCM_RUNTIME014 indicates that the specified step in a process is not recognized as an external step. This error typically occurs in the context of SAP's Variant Configuration Management (VCM) when dealing with configurable products and their associated processes.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Step Definition: The step you are trying to reference may not be defined as an external step in the configuration profile.
  Configuration Profile Issues: The configuration profile may not be set up correctly, or the steps may not be properly linked.
  Missing External Step: The external step you are trying to access may not exist or may have been deleted or renamed.
  Authorization Issues: There may be authorization issues preventing access to the external step.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Step Definition:
  
  Verify that the step you are trying to reference is indeed defined as an external step in the configuration profile.
  Go to the configuration profile and check the settings for the steps.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Profile:
  
  Ensure that the configuration profile is correctly set up and that all necessary steps are included.
  Check for any inconsistencies or errors in the configuration.
  
  
  
  Validate External Steps:
  
  Confirm that the external step exists and is correctly configured.
  If the step has been renamed or deleted, update your references accordingly.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the external step.
  Check the user roles and permissions related to the configuration management.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on configuring external steps in VCM.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the issue persists, consider enabling debugging to trace the execution and identify where the error is occurring.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Training and Documentation: Review training materials or documentation related to Variant Configuration and external steps in SAP.
  
  If the problem continues after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.