How To Fix VF879 - Documents with this approval status cannot be set to "In Progress ".

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VF - Billing

• Message number: 879

• Message text: Documents with this approval status cannot be set to "In Progress ".

What causes this issue?

You tried to set a preliminary billing document that is relevant for the
approval workflow to <LS>In Progress</>. However, you can only set
preliminary billing documents with approval status <LS>Not Relevant
</>to <LS>In Progress.</>

System Response

The preliminary billing document status remains unchanged.

How to fix this error?

Because this document is relevant for the approval workflow, you cannot
set it to <LS>In Progress </>unless you withdraw it from the approval
workflow by choosing to rework the document in the <LS>Change
Preliminary Billing Documents </>app.

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 VF879 - Documents with this approval status cannot be set to "In Progress ". ?

  The SAP error message VF879, which states "Documents with this approval status cannot be set to 'In Progress'", typically occurs in the context of billing documents or sales orders that are subject to an approval process. This error indicates that the document you are trying to change to "In Progress" has an approval status that does not allow for this action.
  Cause:
  
  Approval Status: The document may be in a status that is not compatible with being set to "In Progress". For example, it might be in a "Pending Approval" or "Approved" status.
  Workflow Configuration: The workflow settings in SAP may restrict certain actions based on the approval status of the document.
  Document Type Restrictions: Certain document types may have specific rules regarding their status transitions.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Approval Status: Review the current approval status of the document. You can do this by navigating to the document in question and checking its status in the relevant transaction (e.g., VF03 for billing documents).
  Change Approval Status: If the document is in a status that does not allow it to be set to "In Progress", you may need to change its status to one that does. This might involve completing the approval process or reverting the document to a previous status.
  Consult Workflow Settings: If you have access, check the workflow settings in your SAP system to understand the rules governing status changes. You may need to involve your SAP administrator or a consultant if you do not have the necessary permissions.
  Documentation and Support: Refer to SAP documentation or support resources for specific guidance on the approval workflow and status transitions for your version of SAP. If necessary, contact SAP support for assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as VF03 (Display Billing Document), VF02 (Change Billing Document), and others that may be relevant to your workflow.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to change document statuses. Sometimes, user roles can restrict certain actions.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide additional insights or patches that address known issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.