How To Fix VL420 - Serial numbers can only be maintained for items assigned to a plant

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VL -

• Message number: 420

• Message text: Serial numbers can only be maintained for items assigned to a plant

What causes this issue?

The item has not been assigned to a <GL:plant>plant</>.

System Response

The system does not allow serial number assignment for items which are
not assigned to plants.

How to fix this error?

If you want to maintain <GL:serial_number>serial numbers</> for this
item, enter a plant for the item.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VL420 - Serial numbers can only be maintained for items assigned to a plant ?

  The SAP error message VL420 indicates that serial numbers can only be maintained for items that are assigned to a specific plant. This error typically occurs during the processing of delivery documents when the system detects that the item in question does not have a plant assignment, which is necessary for managing serial numbers.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Plant Assignment: The item in the delivery does not have a plant assigned to it in the material master.
  Incorrect Material Type: The material type may not be configured to allow serial number management.
  Configuration Issues: The system may not be properly configured to handle serial numbers for the specific material or plant combination.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the VL420 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Material Master:
  
  Go to the material master record (transaction code MM03).
  Verify that the material has a plant assigned. If not, you need to create or update the material master record to include the relevant plant.
  
  
  
  Assign Plant:
  
  If the material is not assigned to any plant, you can assign it by using transaction code MM01 or MM02 to create or change the material master data.
  Ensure that the plant is correctly specified in the relevant views (e.g., Basic Data, Sales Organization, Plant Data).
  
  
  
  Check Serial Number Profile:
  
  Ensure that the serial number profile assigned to the material allows for serial number management.
  You can check this in the material master under the "Plant Data" view.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  If you have the necessary authorizations, check the configuration settings for serial number management in the SAP system (transaction code SPRO).
  Navigate to the relevant configuration path: Logistics Execution > Shipping > Delivery > Define Serial Number Management.
  
  
  
  Test with Different Items:
  
  If the issue persists, try processing a different item that is known to have a valid plant assignment and serial number management configuration to determine if the problem is isolated to a specific material.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team for any specific configurations or settings that may be affecting serial number management.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), MM03 (Display Material), VL01N (Create Outbound Delivery), VL02N (Change Outbound Delivery).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to view and edit material master data and delivery documents.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the VL420 error and successfully maintain serial numbers for the relevant items in your SAP system.