How To Fix VHU01172 - A reference material must be maintained as material master record

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VHU01 - Message ID for Master Data Maintenance Packing Objects

• Message number: 172

• Message text: A reference material must be maintained as material master record

What causes this issue?

You want to enter a reference material <ZH>packing instruction</> for a
material. This reference material <packing instruction</> is a material
and requires a material master record. You have not yet created a
material master record.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

First, create the reference material <ZH>packing instruction</> (View:
<ZH>Basic Data 1</> suffices). You can now enter this material as a
reference material <ZH>packing instruction</> for another material.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VHU01172 - A reference material must be maintained as material master record ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message VHU01172: "A reference material must be maintained as material master record":
  
  Error Message:
  VHU01172 - A reference material must be maintained as material master record
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you are trying to create or process a vehicle or a vehicle-related document (such as a vehicle order, vehicle configuration, or vehicle master data) in SAP Vehicle Management System (VMS) or SAP Vehicle Sales and Distribution (VSD), and the system expects a reference material to be specified and maintained in the material master, but it is missing or not properly maintained.
  
  The reference material is a key material master record that acts as a template or basis for the vehicle or vehicle component.
  The system requires this reference material to link vehicle-specific data to a valid material master record.
  If the reference material is not maintained or incorrectly maintained, the system cannot proceed and throws this error.
  
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  During vehicle order creation or processing.
  When assigning or referencing a material in vehicle configuration.
  When creating or changing vehicle master data.
  When the system tries to validate the reference material but finds none or an invalid one.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Reference Material:
  
  Verify that the reference material is maintained in the material master (transaction MM03).
  Ensure the material exists and is active.
  
  
  
  Maintain the Reference Material:
  
  If missing, create or maintain the reference material in the material master.
  Make sure the material is assigned the correct material type (e.g., vehicle or vehicle component material type).
  Maintain all necessary views (Basic Data, Sales, Plant Data, etc.) as required by your business process.
  
  
  
  Assign the Reference Material Correctly:
  
  In the vehicle master or vehicle order, ensure the reference material field is filled with the correct material number.
  Check the configuration or customizing settings where the reference material is defined or linked.
  
  
  
  Check Customizing Settings:
  
  In SAP VMS or VSD customizing (transaction SPRO), verify the settings related to reference materials.
  Ensure that the reference material determination logic is correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Data Consistency:
  
  Run consistency checks or reports to identify missing or incorrect reference materials.
  Correct any inconsistencies found.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  
  Reference Material Role:
  
  The reference material serves as a master template for vehicle-related processes, ensuring that all vehicle data is linked to a valid material master record for inventory, sales, and production integration.
  
  
  Related Transactions:
  
  MM01/MM02/MM03 – Create/Change/Display Material Master
  SPRO – Customizing for Vehicle Management
  Vehicle order or vehicle master data transactions (specific to your SAP VMS or VSD implementation)
  
  
  
  Related Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to vehicle management and material master integration.
  Review SAP Help Portal documentation on Vehicle Management System (VMS) or Vehicle Sales and Distribution (VSD).
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Reference material missing or not maintained in material master when required by vehicle data.
  
  
  Solution
  Maintain the reference material in the material master and ensure it is correctly assigned.
  
  
  Where to Check
  Material master (MM03), vehicle master/order data, customizing (SPRO) for vehicle management.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., transaction you are using, process step), I can help with more specific guidance.