How To Fix VF857 - Document is already part of a preliminary billing document.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VF - Billing

• Message number: 857

• Message text: Document is already part of a preliminary billing 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.

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 VF857 - Document is already part of a preliminary billing document. ?

  The SAP error message VF857, which states "Document is already part of a preliminary billing document," typically occurs when you attempt to create a billing document (like an invoice) for a sales order or delivery that has already been included in a preliminary billing document. This can happen in scenarios where the billing process is not properly managed, leading to attempts to bill the same document multiple times.
  Cause:
  
  Preliminary Billing Document Exists: The most common cause is that the document you are trying to bill has already been included in a preliminary billing document (like a pro forma invoice).
  Incorrect Document Status: The document may still be in a status that does not allow for further billing actions.
  System Configuration: There may be configuration settings in the billing process that are causing this issue.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Preliminary Billing Documents: 
  
  Go to the billing document overview and check if there is an existing preliminary billing document for the sales order or delivery in question.
  If a preliminary billing document exists, you may need to complete or cancel it before proceeding with a new billing document.
  
  
  
  Review Document Status:
  
  Ensure that the document you are trying to bill is in a status that allows for billing. If it is locked or in a status that prevents billing, you may need to change its status.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Use transaction codes like VF03 (Display Billing Document) to view existing billing documents and their statuses.
  Use transaction code VF02 (Change Billing Document) to make necessary changes if applicable.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator:
  
  If you are unsure about the status of the documents or how to proceed, consult with your SAP administrator or support team. They can provide insights into the system configuration and help resolve the issue.
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Logic:
  
  If your organization has custom logic or enhancements in the billing process, ensure that these are not causing the issue.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to billing processes to understand the workflow and any prerequisites for creating billing documents.
  Training: If this error is common in your organization, consider training sessions for users involved in the billing process to minimize occurrences.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the VF857 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.