How To Fix VL218 - Batch determination is not possible because there is no search procedure

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VL -

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Batch determination is not possible because there is no search procedure

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VL218 - Batch determination is not possible because there is no search procedure ?

  The SAP error message VL218, which states "Batch determination is not possible because there is no search procedure," typically occurs during the batch determination process in the context of delivery or goods movement. This error indicates that the system cannot find a valid search procedure to determine the appropriate batch for the material being processed.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Search Procedure: The most common cause of this error is that there is no batch search procedure defined for the material or the movement type being used.
  Configuration Issues: The batch determination configuration may not be set up correctly in the system.
  Material Master Settings: The material master record may not have the necessary settings for batch management.
  Plant or Storage Location Settings: The plant or storage location may not be configured to use batch management.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the VL218 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Batch Search Procedure:
  
  Go to the transaction code SPRO to access the SAP Customizing Implementation Guide.
  Navigate to Logistics Execution > Shipping > Batch Management > Define Batch Search Procedure.
  Ensure that a valid batch search procedure is defined for the relevant material and movement type.
  
  
  
  Assign Search Procedure:
  
  Ensure that the batch search procedure is assigned to the material type in the material master record.
  You can check this in the material master by using transaction code MM03 and navigating to the Plant Data/Storage view.
  
  
  
  Check Material Master Settings:
  
  Verify that the material is set up for batch management. In the material master, check the Basic Data 1 view and ensure that the "Batch Management" checkbox is selected.
  
  
  
  Review Plant and Storage Location Settings:
  
  Ensure that the plant and storage location are configured to use batch management. This can be checked in the configuration settings for the respective plant/storage location.
  
  
  
  Test Batch Determination:
  
  After making the necessary changes, perform a test to see if the batch determination works correctly. You can do this by creating a delivery or performing a goods movement that requires batch determination.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If the issue persists, consult SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Batch Management: This is a feature in SAP that allows for the tracking and management of inventory in batches, which is particularly useful for industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM03 (Display Material), SPRO (Customizing), and VL01N (Create Outbound Delivery) for testing purposes.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to batch determination and the VL218 error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the VL218 error and successfully perform batch determination in your SAP system.