How To Fix VMP_MSG342 - Expand the phantom assembly.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VMP_MSG - VMP Message Manager

• Message number: 342

• Message text: Expand the phantom assembly.

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VMP_MSG342 - Expand the phantom assembly. ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VMP_MSG342 Expand the phantom assembly.
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the production order processing or material requirements planning (MRP) when the system encounters a phantom assembly (a non-stocked assembly that is exploded into its components during planning or production) but is unable to properly expand it.
  Phantom assemblies are used to simplify BOMs by grouping components that are always used together. Instead of producing the phantom assembly as a separate item, the system "explodes" it and plans or produces its components directly.
  The error typically arises because:
  
  The phantom assembly is not properly exploded in the BOM or routing.
  The system settings or configuration do not allow automatic expansion of phantom assemblies.
  There is an inconsistency or missing data in the BOM or routing for the phantom assembly.
  The phantom assembly is incorrectly flagged or used in a context where expansion is not supported.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check the BOM for the Phantom Assembly:
  
  Verify that the phantom assembly is correctly defined in the BOM with the correct item category (usually L for phantom).
  Ensure that the BOM components are complete and valid.
  
  
  
  Check the Routing:
  
  Confirm that the routing for the phantom assembly is consistent and correctly assigned.
  Phantom assemblies typically do not have their own routing steps; if they do, check if this is causing conflicts.
  
  
  
  System Settings:
  
  In the MRP or production order processing settings, ensure that phantom assemblies are allowed to be exploded.
  Check the MRP type and lot size settings for the phantom assembly material.
  
  
  
  Material Master Data:
  
  Verify that the phantom assembly material is correctly flagged as a phantom (item category L).
  Check if the material is set to be planned or produced correctly.
  
  
  
  Recreate or Adjust BOM:
  
  If the BOM is corrupted or incomplete, recreate or adjust it to ensure proper explosion.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Use CS03 to display the BOM and check the phantom assembly.
  Use CA03 to check routing.
  Use MD04 or MD02 to check MRP run and see how the phantom assembly is planned.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes that might address known issues with phantom assembly explosion.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Phantom Assembly (Item Category L):
  
  Phantom assemblies are used to simplify BOMs by grouping components that are always used together. They are not produced or stocked but are exploded during planning or production.
  
  
  BOM Explosion:
  
  The process where the system breaks down assemblies into their components for planning or production.
  
  
  MRP and Phantom Assemblies:
  
  MRP can explode phantom assemblies to plan components directly, but this requires correct configuration.
  
  
  SAP Transactions:
  
  CS03 - Display BOM
  CA03 - Display Routing
  MD04 - Stock/Requirements List
  MD02 - Single-Item, Multi-Level Planning
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error VMP_MSG342 Expand the phantom assembly indicates that the system cannot expand a phantom assembly during planning or production. The solution involves verifying and correcting the BOM, routing, material master data, and system settings to ensure the phantom assembly is properly defined and can be exploded.
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., transaction where the error occurs, material number, or process step), I can help with more specific guidance.