How To Fix VPK1321 - The +/- sign must not be changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VPK1 - SPC Processor Messages

• Message number: 321

• Message text: The +/- sign must not be changed

What causes this issue?

In resource-related billing, you have entered an expenditure to be
billed with a sign different from that for the open expenditure.
In the sales pricing for project or when generating a quotation for
service orders, you have entered a transfer expenditure with a sign
different from that for the planned expenditure.

System Response

The expenditure to be billed, or the transfer expenditure, has been
zeroed out.

How to fix this error?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VPK1321 - The +/- sign must not be changed ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message VPK1321: "The +/- sign must not be changed":
  
  Error Message:
  VPK1321 - The +/- sign must not be changed
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the processing of packing instructions or packing proposals in SAP, particularly in the Logistics Execution (LE) or Shipping modules. The message indicates that the system has detected an attempt to change the sign (plus or minus) of a quantity or value that is not allowed.
  In SAP packing or delivery processing, certain quantities or indicators have a fixed sign to represent addition or subtraction of quantities (e.g., adding or removing packaging materials, or handling returns). Changing the sign arbitrarily can lead to inconsistencies in inventory or packing data.
  Typical scenarios causing this error:
  
  Attempting to manually change the sign of a quantity in packing instructions or packing proposals.
  Modifying packing data where the system expects the sign to remain consistent with the original document or process.
  Data inconsistencies or incorrect user input during packing or delivery processing.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Do not change the sign manually:
  
  When entering or modifying packing instructions or quantities, ensure that the sign (+ or -) remains as originally set by the system or the business process.
  If you need to adjust quantities, do so by changing the absolute value, not the sign.
  
  
  
  Check the packing instructions or packing proposal:
  
  Review the packing instructions or packing proposal to ensure that the quantities and signs are consistent.
  If the packing proposal is incorrect, regenerate or correct it rather than manually changing signs.
  
  
  
  Verify the business process:
  
  Confirm that the process you are performing (e.g., packing, unpacking, returns) aligns with the expected system behavior.
  For returns or removals, the sign might be negative; for additions, positive. Changing this arbitrarily is not allowed.
  
  
  
  Check for custom code or user exits:
  
  If there are enhancements or user exits modifying packing data, verify that they do not incorrectly change the sign of quantities.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to VPK1321 for any patches or corrections if this error occurs due to a known bug.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Module: Logistics Execution (LE), Shipping, Packing
  Transaction Codes: VL02N (Change Outbound Delivery), VL10*, Packing transactions
  SAP Tables: /SCWM/PKGINSTR (Packing Instructions), LIKP (Delivery Header), LIPS (Delivery Items)
  Typical Process: Packing proposals are generated based on delivery quantities. The system controls the sign of quantities to ensure correct packing/unpacking.
  SAP Help: Refer to SAP Help documentation on packing instructions and packing proposals for detailed process understanding.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: User attempts to change the sign (+/-) of a quantity in packing instructions or proposals, which is not allowed.
  Solution: Keep the sign as originally set; adjust quantities without changing the sign. Review packing instructions and business process.
  Additional: Check for custom code or SAP Notes if the issue persists.
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or scenario where this error occurs, I can help with more specific guidance.