How To Fix VMP_MSG348 - Cannot create manufacturing substitute with phantom as material

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VMP_MSG - VMP Message Manager

• Message number: 348

• Message text: Cannot create manufacturing substitute with phantom as material

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VMP_MSG348 - Cannot create manufacturing substitute with phantom as material ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VMP_MSG348 Cannot create manufacturing substitute with phantom as material
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to create a manufacturing substitute (alternative component) in a production order or BOM where the substitute material is a phantom material. In SAP, phantom materials are not allowed to be used as substitutes because they are not actual stock items but rather logical groupings of components used to simplify BOMs.
  Key points:
  
  Phantom materials are used to represent a group of components that are consumed together.
  Manufacturing substitutes must be real, stock-manageable materials.
  The system prevents creation of substitutes if the substitute material is flagged as a phantom.
  
  
  Explanation:
  
  Phantom material: A special type of material in SAP (Material Type: usually L or flagged as phantom in the BOM item category) that is not stocked or produced but used to simplify BOM structures.
  Manufacturing substitute: An alternative component that can replace the original component in production.
  
  Since phantom materials are not actual components but placeholders, SAP does not allow them to be used as substitutes.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the material master of the substitute material:
  
  Go to transaction MM03 and verify if the material is flagged as a phantom (e.g., via BOM item category or material type).
  
  
  
  Use a non-phantom material as substitute:
  
  Replace the phantom material with a real, stock-manageable material as the substitute.
  
  
  
  Adjust BOM structure if necessary:
  
  If the phantom material is needed in the BOM, consider creating substitutes for the individual components inside the phantom rather than the phantom itself.
  
  
  
  Review BOM item category:
  
  Phantom materials are usually assigned item category N in BOM.
  Manufacturing substitutes are only allowed for item categories representing real components (e.g., L for stock items).
  
  
  
  If phantom is required as substitute (not recommended):
  
  This is generally not supported. You may need to redesign the BOM or production process.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction codes:
  
  CS03 - Display BOM
  CS02 - Change BOM
  MM03 - Display Material Master
  CO02 - Change Production Order (to assign substitutes)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes / Documentation:
  
  SAP standard behavior does not allow phantom materials as substitutes.
  Check SAP Help Portal for BOM and production order configuration.
  
  
  
  BOM Item Categories:
  
  N - Phantom item
  L - Stock item
  Substitutes can only be assigned to stock items (L), not phantom items (N).
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Attempt to create a manufacturing substitute using a phantom material.
  Solution: Use a real, stock-manageable material as the substitute; phantom materials cannot be substitutes.
  Additional: Review BOM structure and item categories to ensure compliance with SAP rules.
  
  
  If you need further assistance, please provide details about the material types and BOM structure involved.