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How To Fix VF257 - Copying control &1 &2 &3: Quantity calculated must be positive.


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: VF - Billing

  • Message number: 257

  • Message text: Copying control &1 &2 &3: Quantity calculated must be positive.

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  • 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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    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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VF257 - Copying control &1 &2 &3: Quantity calculated must be positive. ?

    The SAP error message VF257 indicates that there is an issue with the copying control settings in the billing document. Specifically, the error states that the quantity calculated must be positive, which typically occurs when the system attempts to create a billing document (like an invoice) based on a sales order or delivery, but the quantity being copied is zero or negative.

    Cause:

    1. Incorrect Quantity in Source Document: The source document (like a sales order or delivery) may have a quantity of zero or a negative value.
    2. Copying Control Settings: The copying control settings between the source document and the billing document may not be configured correctly, leading to incorrect quantity calculations.
    3. Item Status: The item in the source document may be in a status that does not allow it to be billed (e.g., it may have been canceled or fully billed).
    4. Pricing Conditions: If there are pricing conditions that result in a negative quantity or zero quantity, this can trigger the error.

    Solution:

    1. Check Source Document: Review the source document (sales order or delivery) to ensure that the quantities are correct and positive. If the quantity is zero or negative, correct it in the source document.
    2. Review Copying Control: Go to the copying control settings in the SAP system (Transaction code: VTFL) and ensure that the settings for the relevant document types are correctly configured. Make sure that the quantity is being copied correctly.
    3. Check Item Status: Verify the status of the items in the source document. If any items are not eligible for billing, you may need to adjust their status or remove them from the billing document.
    4. Review Pricing Conditions: Check the pricing conditions associated with the items in the source document. Ensure that they are set up correctly and do not lead to a zero or negative quantity.
    5. Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the process to identify where the quantity is being calculated incorrectly.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes:
      • VTFL: Copying Control
      • VA03: Display Sales Order
      • VL03N: Display Outbound Delivery
      • VF03: Display Billing Document
    • SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
    • Documentation: Review SAP documentation on billing processes and copying control to understand how quantities are managed during document creation.

    By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the VF257 error in SAP.

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