How To Fix VO013 - Error & while writing group header

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VO - W&S: Rough workload forecast + picking wave

• Message number: 013

• Message text: Error & while writing group header

What causes this issue?

One or more records were already found in the database.

System Response

Creation of the picking wave could not be carried out.

How to fix this error?

This is probably caused by an error in an ABAP program. Please contact
your system administrator.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VO013 - Error & while writing group header ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VO013 - Error & while writing group header
  
  Cause:
  The error message VO013 typically occurs during the output processing of a document (such as a sales order, delivery, billing document, etc.) when the system tries to write the group header information to the output medium (like a print spool, IDoc, or form) and encounters an issue.
  Common causes include:
  
  Incorrect or missing data in the group header fields required for output processing.
  Custom enhancements or user exits that modify the group header data incorrectly.
  Output device or spool issues that prevent writing the header.
  Form or layout problems (e.g., Smart Forms, SAPscript) where the group header is not properly defined or has errors.
  Authorization issues preventing the system from writing the header.
  Inconsistent or incomplete configuration in output determination or message control.
  
  The ampersand (&) in the message is a placeholder for additional information or a specific error detail, which can help pinpoint the exact problem.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the VO013 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check the detailed error message:
  
  Look at the full message text in the system (transaction code SE91 or in the output log) to see what the ampersand (&) is replaced with.
  This often gives a clue about the exact problem (e.g., missing field, authorization failure).
  
  
  
  Review output determination and message control:
  
  Verify that the output type and medium are correctly configured.
  Check if the output message is correctly assigned and active.
  
  
  
  Inspect the group header data:
  
  Use debugging or logging to check the data being passed to the group header.
  Ensure all mandatory fields are filled and valid.
  
  
  
  Check custom code:
  
  If user exits, BADIs, or enhancements are used to modify output data, review them for errors or missing data assignments.
  Debug the output processing to see where the error occurs.
  
  
  
  Verify form or layout:
  
  If using SAPscript or Smart Forms, check the group header section for errors.
  Test the form independently to ensure it processes the group header correctly.
  
  
  
  Check spool and output device:
  
  Ensure the output device is available and correctly configured.
  Check spool requests for errors.
  
  
  
  Authorization:
  
  Confirm that the user or background job has the necessary authorizations to write output.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support:
  
  Search SAP Notes for VO013 related issues.
  Sometimes, specific patches or corrections are available.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction codes:
  
  SE91 - Message maintenance (to check message VO013)
  SP01 - Spool request monitoring
  NACE - Output determination
  SE80 or SMARTFORMS - Form maintenance
  SE37 - Function module testing (for output processing modules)
  
  
  
  Common scenarios:
  
  Billing document output errors
  Delivery note printing issues
  Sales order confirmation output problems
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to VO013 and your specific module (SD, MM, FI, etc.)
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  VO013 indicates a problem writing the group header during output processing. The root cause is often missing or incorrect data, configuration issues, or errors in custom code or forms. Careful analysis of the detailed message, output configuration, and debugging the output process will help identify and fix the issue.