How To Fix VN017 - Enter output type

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VN - Nachrichtensteuerung

• Message number: 017

• Message text: Enter output type

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VN017 - Enter output type ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VN017 - Enter output type
  
  Cause:
  The error message VN017 occurs when the system expects an output type to be entered for a vendor master record or during a related transaction (such as purchasing documents or vendor communication), but no output type has been specified. Output types define the form or medium (e.g., print, email, EDI) through which information is sent to the vendor.
  This message typically appears in scenarios like:
  
  Creating or changing vendor master data where output determination is required.
  Processing purchasing documents (e.g., purchase orders) where output determination is active.
  When the system is configured to require an output type but none is entered or determined automatically.
  
  
  Explanation:
  
  Output Type: It is a key element in SAP's output determination process. It controls how and in what format the system sends documents or messages to vendors.
  The system expects an output type to be entered or determined to proceed with the document processing or vendor communication.
  If the output type is missing, the system cannot generate the required output (e.g., print a purchase order, send an email).
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Enter the Output Type Manually:
  
  When prompted by the message, enter the appropriate output type code.
  Output types are usually configured in the system and can be found in the customizing settings.
  
  
  
  Check Output Determination Configuration:
  
  Go to SPRO ? Materials Management ? Purchasing ? Messages ? Output Determination.
  Verify that output types are correctly configured for the relevant application (e.g., Purchase Orders, Vendor Master).
  Ensure that the output type is assigned to the correct message schema and condition records.
  
  
  
  Maintain Condition Records:
  
  Use transaction MN04 (Maintain Output Condition Records) or the relevant transaction for your application.
  Ensure that condition records exist for the output type and vendor combination.
  
  
  
  Check Vendor Master Data:
  
  Verify if the vendor master record has the necessary output-related data maintained.
  Sometimes, output types are linked to vendor communication methods (e.g., email, fax).
  
  
  
  Automatic Output Determination:
  
  If the system is supposed to determine the output type automatically, check the condition technique setup.
  Make sure the condition tables, access sequences, and condition records are properly maintained.
  
  
  
  User Exits or Enhancements:
  
  If custom logic is used for output determination, verify that it is working correctly and not suppressing the output type.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  MN04 - Maintain Output Condition Records
  NACE - Output Types (Message Control)
  SPRO - Customizing for Output Determination
  Vendor Master Transactions: XK01, XK02, XK03
  Purchasing Document Transactions: ME21N, ME22N, ME23N
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to output determination issues.
  Review SAP Help Portal documentation on Output Determination and Message Control.
  
  
  
  Common Output Types in MM:
  
  NEU - Purchase Order output
  RD00 - Print output
  EML - Email output
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The VN017 - Enter output type error means the system requires an output type to proceed but none was provided. To resolve it, enter the correct output type manually or ensure the output determination configuration and condition records are properly maintained so the system can determine the output type automatically.
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or scenario where this error occurs, I can give more tailored guidance.