How To Fix VF881 - Documents with this approval status can only be changed partially.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VF - Billing

• Message number: 881

• Message text: Documents with this approval status can only be changed partially.

What causes this issue?

You tried to make a change that is not permitted to a preliminary
billing document with approval status <LS>Released</>, <LS>Rejected</>,
or <LS>In Approval</>.
However, you can only make this kind of change to preliminary billing
documents with approval status <LS>Not Relevant </>or <LS>To Be
Reworked.</>

System Response

You cannot make the change to the document.

How to fix this error?

Because this document is relevant for the approval workflow, you can
only change all aspects of it after an approver has set it to To Be
Reworked.
Alternatively, you can also change it if you choose 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 VF881 - Documents with this approval status can only be changed partially. ?

  The SAP error message VF881, which states "Documents with this approval status can only be changed partially," typically occurs in the context of billing documents or invoices that have been approved or are in a specific status that restricts full modifications. This is often related to the approval workflow in SAP, where certain documents can only be partially edited after they have been approved.
  Cause:
  
  Approval Status: The document has been approved, and the system restricts changes to certain fields to maintain data integrity and compliance with business processes.
  Document Type: Certain document types may have specific rules regarding changes after approval.
  Configuration Settings: The system may be configured to allow only partial changes to approved documents based on business requirements.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Approval Status: Review the approval status of the document. If it is in a status that allows only partial changes, you may need to revert the document to a status that allows full editing, if your business process allows for that.
  Partial Changes: Identify which fields can be changed. You may be able to modify certain fields while others remain locked.
  Revoke Approval: If necessary and if your business process allows, you may need to revoke the approval of the document to make full changes. This typically requires appropriate permissions.
  Consult Configuration: If you believe the configuration should allow for more flexibility, consult with your SAP administrator or configuration team to review the settings related to document approval and modification.
  Use Transaction Codes: Depending on your role and permissions, you may use transaction codes like VF02 (Change Billing Document) to attempt to make changes, but be aware of the limitations based on the approval status.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific notes related to error VF881, as there may be updates or patches that address this issue.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation regarding billing document processing and approval workflows to understand the implications of document statuses.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to billing documents, as restrictions may also be due to user role settings.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to engage with your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.