How To Fix VF872 - You cannot create a preliminary billing document for this document.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VF - Billing

• Message number: 872

• Message text: You cannot create a preliminary billing document for this document.

What causes this issue?

It is not possible to create a preliminary billing document for this
document.
This can be the case, for example, for documents in which PayPal Direct
Capture (value DP1P) of payment service provider PayPal (value DPPP) was
entered as the payment type.

System Response

No preliminary billing document is created for this document.

How to fix this error?

Since you cannot create a preliminary billing document in this
situation, please create a standard billing document instead.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VF872 - You cannot create a preliminary billing document for this document. ?

  The SAP error message VF872, which states "You cannot create a preliminary billing document for this document," typically occurs in the context of billing and invoicing processes within the SAP system. This error can arise due to several reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution.
  Causes of VF872 Error
  
  
  Document Status: The document you are trying to bill may already be in a status that does not allow for preliminary billing. For example, if the document has already been billed or is in a closed status, you will not be able to create a preliminary billing document.
  
  
  Billing Type: The billing type you are using may not support preliminary billing. Certain billing types are configured in SAP to allow or disallow preliminary billing.
  
  
  Sales Order or Delivery Issues: If the sales order or delivery associated with the billing document has issues (e.g., incomplete data, missing items, or errors), it may prevent the creation of a preliminary billing document.
  
  
  Configuration Settings: There may be specific configuration settings in the SAP system that restrict the creation of preliminary billing documents for certain types of transactions or customers.
  
  
  Document Flow: The document flow may not be complete. For example, if there are missing documents in the flow (like a delivery document), it can lead to this error.
  
  
  Solutions to VF872 Error
  
  
  Check Document Status: Review the status of the document you are trying to bill. Ensure that it is in a status that allows for preliminary billing. If it has already been billed, you may need to reverse the billing or create a new document.
  
  
  Review Billing Type: Verify that the billing type you are using supports preliminary billing. You can check this in the configuration settings or by consulting with your SAP administrator.
  
  
  Inspect Sales Order/Delivery: Check the associated sales order or delivery for any issues. Ensure that all necessary data is complete and that there are no errors in the document.
  
  
  Configuration Review: Consult with your SAP configuration team to review the settings related to billing documents. They can check if there are any restrictions in place that prevent preliminary billing.
  
  
  Document Flow Verification: Ensure that all necessary documents in the flow (like sales orders, deliveries, etc.) are complete and correctly linked. If any documents are missing or incomplete, address those issues first.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error. There may be patches or updates that can resolve the issue.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as VF01 (Create Billing Document), VF02 (Change Billing Document), and VF03 (Display Billing Document) to manage billing documents effectively.
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on billing processes and error handling.
  
  
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that the user attempting to create the billing document has the necessary authorizations to perform this action.
  
  
  If the issue persists after checking these aspects, it may be beneficial to engage with your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further troubleshooting.