How To Fix VF218 - Article with specified description does not exist in document.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VF - Billing

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Article with specified description does not exist in document.

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VF218 - Article with specified description does not exist in document. ?

  The SAP error message VF218, which states "Article with specified description does not exist in document," typically occurs in the context of sales and distribution (SD) processes, particularly when dealing with billing documents or sales orders. This error indicates that the system cannot find the specified article (material) in the document you are trying to process.
  Causes of VF218 Error
  
  Incorrect Material Number: The material number or article description entered does not match any existing material in the system.
  Material Not Extended: The material may not be extended to the relevant sales organization or distribution channel.
  Inactive Material: The material might be inactive or marked for deletion in the system.
  Document Type Issues: The document type being used may not be compatible with the material or article.
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the master data or transaction data that prevent the system from recognizing the article.
  Missing or Incorrect Configuration: The configuration settings for the material or sales document may not be set up correctly.
  
  Solutions to VF218 Error
  
  Verify Material Number: Check the material number or description you are using. Ensure it is correct and exists in the system.
  Check Material Master Data:
  
  Go to the material master (transaction code MM03) and verify that the material is active and extended to the relevant sales organization and distribution channel.
  Ensure that the material is not marked for deletion.
  
  
  Review Document Type: Ensure that the document type you are using is appropriate for the material and that it is configured correctly in the system.
  Check for Data Inconsistencies: Look for any inconsistencies in the data related to the material or the document. This may involve checking related tables or using transaction codes like SE16N to view data.
  Consult Configuration Settings: If you have access, review the configuration settings in the IMG (Implementation Guide) to ensure that everything is set up correctly for the material and sales document types.
  Recreate the Document: If the document is corrupted or has issues, consider recreating it from scratch to see if the error persists.
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  MM03: Display Material
  VA01: Create Sales Order
  VF01: Create Billing Document
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access the material and perform the required actions.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files for more detailed information on handling materials and sales documents.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in the Sales and Distribution module.