How To Fix VN042 - You cannot enter a partner number for output &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VN - Nachrichtensteuerung

• Message number: 042

• Message text: You cannot enter a partner number for output &

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VN042 - You cannot enter a partner number for output & ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VN042 - You cannot enter a partner number for output &
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to enter a partner number in the output partner function field in a purchasing document (like a Purchase Order or Contract), but the system does not allow it because the partner function is not configured to accept partner numbers for output.
  In SAP, partner functions are defined in customizing, and for output determination, certain partner functions may be set up to either allow or disallow partner numbers. If the partner function you are trying to assign a partner number to is not configured to accept partner numbers for output, the system throws this error.
  
  Explanation:
  
  The partner function you are trying to assign a partner number to is not set up as an output partner function.
  Output partner functions are those that are relevant for output determination (e.g., sending purchase orders to vendors, notifying partners).
  If the partner function is not flagged for output or is not maintained properly in the partner determination procedure, the system will prevent entering a partner number.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Partner Function Configuration:
  
  Go to SPRO ? Materials Management ? Purchasing ? Partner Determination ? Define Partner Functions.
  Verify if the partner function you are trying to use is defined as an output partner function.
  If not, you need to either:
  
  Use a partner function that is allowed for output, or
  Change the configuration to allow the partner function to be used for output (if business process allows).
  
  
  
  
  
  Check Partner Determination Procedure:
  
  Go to SPRO ? Materials Management ? Purchasing ? Partner Determination ? Define Partner Determination Procedure.
  Verify if the partner function is included in the partner determination procedure for the document type you are working with.
  If missing, add the partner function to the procedure.
  
  
  
  Check Output Partner Function Assignment:
  
  In the partner determination procedure, ensure that the partner function is assigned to the output partner category.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Partner Function:
  
  When entering partner numbers in the purchasing document, use only those partner functions that are allowed for output.
  
  
  
  If Customizing Change is Needed:
  
  After making changes in SPRO, test the document creation again.
  Make sure to transport the changes if working in a development system.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  ME21N / ME22N / ME23N - Purchase Order creation/change/display
  SPRO - Customizing
  WE20 - Partner profiles (for output determination in IDocs)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to partner determination and output partner functions if the problem persists.
  
  
  
  Partner Functions in MM Purchasing:
  
  Common partner functions include VN (Vendor), WE (Goods Recipient), RE (Invoice Recipient), etc.
  Not all partner functions are valid for output.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error VN042 occurs because the partner function you are trying to assign a partner number to is not configured for output in the purchasing partner determination procedure. To fix it, verify and adjust the partner function configuration and partner determination procedure in SPRO to allow the partner function for output, or use a valid partner function that supports output partner numbers.