How To Fix VF186 - Creation of bill.document with ref. to cancelled bill.doc.not possible.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VF - Billing

• Message number: 186

• Message text: Creation of bill.document with ref. to cancelled bill.doc.not possible.

What causes this issue?

You can't create a billing document with reference to a billing document
that was previously cancelled.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VF186 - Creation of bill.document with ref. to cancelled bill.doc.not possible. ?

  The SAP error message VF186, which states "Creation of bill document with reference to cancelled bill document not possible," typically occurs in the context of billing and invoicing processes within the SAP system. This error indicates that you are trying to create a new billing document that references a billing document that has been cancelled. 
  Cause:
  
  Cancelled Billing Document: The primary cause of this error is that the billing document you are trying to reference has been cancelled. In SAP, once a billing document is cancelled, it cannot be used as a reference for creating new billing documents.
  Incorrect Document Flow: There may be an attempt to create a follow-up document (like a credit memo or a new invoice) based on a document that is no longer valid due to its cancellation.
  Configuration Issues: In some cases, the configuration settings in the billing process may not allow for certain types of documents to be created based on cancelled documents.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Document Status: Verify the status of the billing document you are trying to reference. If it is indeed cancelled, you will need to create a new billing document without referencing the cancelled one.
  Create New Document: Instead of referencing the cancelled document, create a new billing document from the original sales order or delivery, if applicable.
  Review Document Flow: Ensure that the document flow is correct and that you are not trying to create a document that logically cannot follow a cancelled document.
  Consult with SAP Support: If you believe this error is occurring inappropriately or if you need to understand the configuration settings better, consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP documentation for further guidance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may be using transaction codes like VF01 (Create Billing Document) or VF02 (Change Billing Document) when encountering this error.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context or solutions.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create billing documents in the system, as sometimes authorization issues can lead to unexpected errors.
  Testing in a Sandbox: If possible, replicate the issue in a sandbox environment to better understand the cause and test potential solutions without affecting production data.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the VF186 error and proceed with your billing processes in SAP.