How To Fix VMD_API161 - Data retention must be allowed for diff. purchasing data at plant level

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VMD_API - Vendor APIs

• Message number: 161

• Message text: Data retention must be allowed for diff. purchasing data at plant level

Self-Explanatory Message

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To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VMD_API161 - Data retention must be allowed for diff. purchasing data at plant level ?

  The SAP error message VMD_API161 indicates that data retention is not allowed for different purchasing data at the plant level. This error typically arises in the context of managing vendor master data, particularly when there are inconsistencies or misconfigurations in the settings related to data retention.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following reasons:
  
  Data Retention Settings: The system settings for data retention may not be configured to allow retention for different purchasing data at the plant level.
  Configuration Issues: There may be inconsistencies in the configuration of the vendor master data or purchasing organization settings.
  Master Data Management: The vendor master data may not be set up correctly, leading to issues when trying to retain or manage data at the plant level.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Data Retention Settings:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for data retention in your SAP system.
  Ensure that the settings allow for data retention for different purchasing data at the plant level.
  
  
  
  Review Vendor Master Data:
  
  Check the vendor master data for the specific vendor and plant combination.
  Ensure that all required fields are filled out correctly and that there are no inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Configuration Review:
  
  Review the configuration of the purchasing organization and plant settings in the SAP system.
  Make sure that the settings align with the requirements for data retention.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on configuring data retention settings.
  Look for any notes or updates from SAP that may address this specific error.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the process again to see if the error persists.
  If the error continues, consider checking for any additional logs or messages that may provide more context.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance. They may have additional insights or patches available for your specific version of SAP.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like MM01, MM02, or MM03 to manage vendor master data.
  SAP Notes: Check for relevant SAP Notes that may provide fixes or workarounds for this error.
  Data Retention Policy: Familiarize yourself with your organization's data retention policy to ensure compliance with internal and external regulations.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the VMD_API161 error in your SAP system.