How To Fix VL478 - Item category & is not defined, so item & will be disregarded

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VL -

• Message number: 478

• Message text: Item category & is not defined, so item & will be disregarded

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VL478 - Item category & is not defined, so item & will be disregarded ?

  The SAP error message VL478 indicates that there is an issue with the item category in a delivery document. Specifically, it means that the item category specified for a line item in the delivery is not defined in the system, and as a result, that item will be disregarded during processing.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Item Category Definition: The item category specified in the delivery document is not defined in the system. This could happen if the item category was deleted or not properly configured.
  Incorrect Configuration: The item category may not be assigned to the relevant sales document type or delivery type.
  Custom Development: If there are custom developments or modifications in the system, they may have inadvertently affected the item category settings.
  Data Entry Error: There may be a typo or incorrect entry in the item category field when creating the delivery.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Item Category Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in SAP (Transaction Code: SPRO).
  Navigate to Sales and Distribution > Sales > Sales Document > Define Item Categories.
  Ensure that the item category in question is defined and properly configured.
  
  
  
  Assign Item Category to Delivery Type:
  
  Ensure that the item category is assigned to the relevant delivery type.
  This can be checked in the configuration under Sales and Distribution > Shipping > Deliveries > Define Delivery Item Categories.
  
  
  
  Review Sales Document Type:
  
  Check if the item category is correctly assigned to the sales document type that is being used to create the delivery.
  This can be done in the configuration under Sales and Distribution > Sales > Sales Document > Define Sales Document Types.
  
  
  
  Check for Customizations:
  
  If there are any custom developments or enhancements, review them to ensure they are not affecting the item category settings.
  
  
  
  Data Entry Verification:
  
  Verify the data entry for the delivery document to ensure that the item category is entered correctly without any typos.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the configuration, consult the SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SPRO (to access configuration settings)
  VL01N (to create a delivery)
  VL02N (to change a delivery)
  VL03N (to display a delivery)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to item categories and deliveries.
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, test the delivery process again to ensure that the error is resolved and that the item is processed correctly.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the VL478 error message in SAP.