How To Fix VN021 - Enter a processing time for the output

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VN - Nachrichtensteuerung

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Enter a processing time for the output

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VN021 - Enter a processing time for the output ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VN021 - Enter a processing time for the output
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to process or print an output (such as a purchase order output) in SAP, but the system requires a processing time to be entered for the output type, and it has not been provided. The processing time is used to determine the date when the output should be processed or sent.
  In SAP MM (Materials Management), output types (like purchase order outputs) can have a processing time defined in the output determination procedure. If the processing time is not maintained or not entered during output processing, the system throws this error.
  
  Explanation:
  
  Processing time is the number of days required to prepare or process the output before it is sent.
  It is used to calculate the date of output (e.g., print date, transmission date).
  If the processing time is missing or zero, SAP cannot calculate the output date and prompts the user to enter it manually.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Maintain Processing Time in Output Type Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction NACE (Output Types).
  Select the application (e.g., EF for Purchase Orders).
  Choose the output type you are using.
  Check the Processing Time field and maintain a value (number of days).
  Save the configuration.
  
  
  
  Enter Processing Time Manually During Output Processing:
  
  When the error appears, enter the required processing time (number of days) in the popup screen.
  This will allow the system to calculate the output date and proceed.
  
  
  
  Check Output Determination Procedure:
  
  Ensure that the output determination procedure is correctly set up and that the output type is assigned properly.
  Verify that the output type is active and configured to require processing time if necessary.
  
  
  
  Check Master Data:
  
  Sometimes, the vendor master or purchasing info records might influence output processing.
  Verify if any related master data is missing or incomplete.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  The processing time is typically used to ensure outputs are sent on time, considering preparation or lead times.
  If you want the output to be processed immediately, you can enter zero (0) as processing time.
  This error is common in Purchase Order outputs but can also appear in other output types where processing time is relevant.
  Always test changes in a development or quality system before transporting to production.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error Message
  VN021 - Enter a processing time for the output
  
  
  Cause
  Processing time missing for output type; system needs it to calculate output date
  
  
  Solution
  Maintain processing time in output type config (NACE) or enter manually during output processing
  
  
  Related Transaction
  NACE (Output Types)
  
  
  Module
  SAP MM (Purchase Order Outputs)
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with the exact navigation or configuration steps, feel free to ask!