How To Fix VN116 - Please enter a communication strategy

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VN - Nachrichtensteuerung

• Message number: 116

• Message text: Please enter a communication strategy

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VN116 - Please enter a communication strategy ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VN116 - Please enter a communication strategy
  
  Cause:
  The error message VN116 occurs when you are trying to create or maintain a vendor master record (transaction XK01/XK02 or related) and the system requires a communication strategy to be entered but it is missing. 
  A communication strategy in SAP is used in the context of vendor master data to define how the system communicates with the vendor, especially for electronic data interchange (EDI), output determination, or partner profiles. It is part of the vendor's communication data and is mandatory in certain configurations or business scenarios.
  This error typically arises because:
  
  The vendor master data requires a communication strategy due to configuration settings.
  The communication strategy is mandatory for the vendor account group or company code.
  The communication strategy is missing in the vendor master record or during the creation/change process.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Enter the Communication Strategy:
  
  When creating or changing the vendor master, navigate to the Communication tab or section.
  Enter the appropriate communication strategy value as required by your business process or configuration.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  If you are unsure which communication strategy to enter, consult your SAP MM or FI consultant.
  The communication strategy is usually defined in customizing under:
  
  SPRO ? Logistics - General ? Business Partner ? Communication ? Define Communication Strategies
  
  
  Verify if the communication strategy is mandatory for the vendor account group or company code.
  
  
  
  Review Vendor Account Group Settings:
  
  Sometimes, the vendor account group settings enforce the communication strategy.
  Check if the account group requires communication strategy and adjust if necessary.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation or SAP Notes:
  
  If this error appears unexpectedly, check for any SAP Notes related to vendor master data and communication strategies.
  Sometimes patches or updates change the mandatory fields.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  XK01 - Create Vendor
  XK02 - Change Vendor
  XK03 - Display Vendor
  
  
  Configuration Path:
  
  SPRO ? Materials Management ? Purchasing ? Vendor Master ? Define Communication Strategies
  
  
  Business Partner Integration:
  
  In newer SAP systems (S/4HANA), vendor master data is integrated with Business Partner (BP) master data, and communication strategies may be part of BP roles.
  
  
  Output Determination:
  
  Communication strategies are often linked to output types and partner profiles for sending purchase orders, invoices, etc.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Missing mandatory communication strategy in vendor master data.
  Solution: Enter the required communication strategy during vendor creation/change or adjust configuration if necessary.
  Check: Vendor account group settings and communication strategy definitions in customizing.
  
  If you continue to face issues, please provide the transaction and context, or consult your SAP support team for detailed troubleshooting.