How To Fix VN421 - Output cannot be edited! Only display of communication data!

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VN - Nachrichtensteuerung

• Message number: 421

• Message text: Output cannot be edited! Only display of communication data!

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VN421 - Output cannot be edited! Only display of communication data! ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VN421 - Output cannot be edited! Only display of communication data!
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to edit the output communication data (such as partner communication details) in a transaction or output processing where the system only allows display (read-only) of the communication data. Typically, this happens because the output type or the processing status is set in a way that editing is not permitted.
  Common scenarios include:  
  
  The output is already processed or released for processing, so the system locks the communication data to prevent changes.  
  The output type configuration or the partner profile settings restrict editing of communication data.  
  The output is generated via a standard process where communication data is maintained centrally and cannot be changed in the output document.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Output Status:
  
  Verify if the output is already processed or released. If yes, you cannot edit the communication data. You may need to cancel or reset the output status if changes are necessary.
  
  
  Review Partner Profile and Output Type Configuration:  
  
  Go to transaction WE20 (Partner Profiles) and check the settings for the partner and message type.  
  Check if the communication data is maintained centrally and if editing is restricted.  
  In output type configuration (transaction NACE or SPRO ? Output Control), verify if the output type allows editing of communication data.
  
  
  
  Maintain Communication Data in the Correct Place:
  
  If the communication data is maintained centrally (e.g., in the vendor master or partner master), make changes there instead of trying to edit it in the output document.
  
  
  Use Display Mode:
  
  If editing is not allowed by design, you can only view the communication data. Inform users accordingly.
  
  
  If urgent changes are needed:  
  
  Cancel or delete the output and recreate it after updating the communication data in the master data.  
  Or, if allowed, reset the output status to allow editing.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  NACE – Output Types  
  WE20 – Partner Profiles  
  VN01/VN02 – Vendor Master (for communication data)  
  ME22N – Purchase Order (where output is processed)  
  
  
  
  Notes:  
  
  This message is a safeguard to ensure data consistency and prevent changes after output processing.  
  Always maintain communication data in the master data records to avoid such issues.  
  Check authorization objects if users report inability to edit communication data.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or scenario where this error occurs, I can give more tailored advice.