How To Fix VLSC218 - Component not uniquely specified

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VLSC - Components for subcontractor's inbound delivery

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Component not uniquely specified

What causes this issue?

The subcontracting component could not be determined uniquely.
Inbound delivery item &V1& &V2& has several components with material
&V3& and the system could not uniquely identify the component via batch
&V4&, plant and storage location.

System Response

The subcontracting component could not be changed.

How to fix this error?

Check the subcontracting components of inbound delivery item &V1& &V2&
for deviations from the Advanced Shipping Notification.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VLSC218 - Component not uniquely specified ?

  The SAP error message VLSC218, which states "Component not uniquely specified," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Variant Configuration (VC) or when dealing with configurable materials. This error indicates that the system is unable to determine a unique component for a configuration due to ambiguity in the selection criteria.
  Causes:
  
  Ambiguous Configuration: The configuration of the product may have multiple components that match the selection criteria, leading to confusion in determining which component to use.
  Missing or Incorrect Dependencies: The dependencies or constraints defined in the configuration profile may not be set up correctly, causing the system to be unable to resolve the component uniquely.
  Incorrectly Defined Characteristics: If the characteristics used for configuration are not defined properly or are overlapping, it can lead to ambiguity.
  Multiple Valid Options: If there are multiple valid options for a characteristic and the system cannot determine which one to select, this error can occur.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Review Configuration Profile: Check the configuration profile for the material in question. Ensure that all dependencies and constraints are correctly defined and that there are no overlapping characteristics.
  Check Characteristics: Ensure that the characteristics used in the configuration are defined correctly and that they do not lead to ambiguity. You may need to refine the characteristics or their values.
  Use Unique Identifiers: If possible, modify the configuration to ensure that each component can be uniquely identified based on the selected characteristics.
  Test Configuration: Use the configuration simulation tool in SAP to test the configuration and identify where the ambiguity arises. This can help pinpoint the specific characteristics or dependencies causing the issue.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on setting up variant configuration and resolving common issues related to component specification.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the VLSC218 error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common errors.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums where other users may have encountered similar issues and can provide insights or solutions.
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing training materials or documentation on Variant Configuration in SAP to better understand how to set up and troubleshoot configurations.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to involve your SAP support team or a consultant with expertise in Variant Configuration.