How To Fix VG218 - No SD item category determined for item category & from IDoc

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VG - EDI Messages in SD

• Message number: 218

• Message text: No SD item category determined for item category & from IDoc

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VG218 - No SD item category determined for item category & from IDoc ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  VG218 No SD item category determined for item category & from IDoc
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the processing of an IDoc (Intermediate Document) related to sales documents (e.g., sales orders, deliveries) when the system tries to determine the SD (Sales and Distribution) item category but fails to find a valid SD item category for the given item category from the IDoc.
  
  The item category in the IDoc does not have a corresponding SD item category assigned in the system.
  The configuration for item category determination in SD is incomplete or missing.
  The system cannot map the item category from the IDoc to an SD item category because the customizing settings are not maintained properly.
  This often happens when custom or non-standard item categories are used but not configured in the system.
  
  
  Explanation:
  
  In SAP SD, item categories control the processing of individual items in sales documents.
  When an IDoc is processed (e.g., ORDERS05 for sales orders), the system reads the item category from the IDoc segment.
  The system then tries to determine the SD item category to process the item correctly.
  If the system cannot find a valid SD item category for the given item category, it throws the VG218 error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Item Category Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction VOV7 (Define Item Categories).
  Verify if the item category mentioned in the error message exists.
  If it is a custom item category, ensure it is properly created and configured.
  
  
  
  Maintain Item Category Determination:
  
  Check the item category determination procedure in SD.
  Use transaction VOV7 or VOV8 to verify the item category determination settings.
  Ensure that the item category from the IDoc is mapped to a valid SD item category.
  
  
  
  Check IDoc Data:
  
  Use transaction WE02 or WE05 to display the IDoc.
  Verify the item category field in the relevant segment (e.g., E1EDP01 or E1EDP19).
  Confirm that the item category value is correct and expected.
  
  
  
  Adjust Customizing if Needed:
  
  If the item category is custom or non-standard, add the necessary configuration in SD customizing.
  Ensure that the item category is assigned to the correct sales document type and item category group.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Sometimes, specific SAP Notes address issues related to item category determination.
  Search the SAP Support Portal for notes related to VG218 or item category determination errors.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  VOV7 - Define Item Categories
  VOV8 - Define Item Category Groups
  WE02 / WE05 - IDoc Display
  VA01 / VA02 - Sales Order Create/Change (to check item categories in sales orders)
  
  
  
  SAP Modules Involved:
  
  SD (Sales and Distribution)
  IDoc Processing (ALE/EDI)
  
  
  
  Common IDoc Segments:
  
  E1EDP01 - Sales Document Item Data
  E1EDP19 - Item Category Data
  
  
  
  Typical Scenario:
  
  When integrating external systems via IDocs, the external system sends an item category that is unknown or not configured in SAP SD.
  The system cannot process the item without a valid SD item category.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The VG218 error indicates that the system cannot find a valid SD item category for the item category provided in the IDoc. The solution involves verifying and maintaining the item category configuration in SD customizing and ensuring the IDoc data is correct.
  
  If you need help with specific customizing steps or further troubleshooting, feel free to ask!