How To Fix VR473 - Please specify the number of top materials

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VR - Output for SD Reporting

• Message number: 473

• Message text: Please specify the number of top materials

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VR473 - Please specify the number of top materials ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VR473 - Please specify the number of top materials
  
  Cause:
  The error message VR473 occurs in SAP when you are trying to execute a transaction or report related to material consumption, inventory analysis, or material valuation, and the system requires you to specify the number of "top materials" to be displayed or processed. This typically happens in reports or transactions where the system needs to know how many of the highest-ranking materials (e.g., by consumption value, quantity, or turnover) you want to analyze or list.
  For example, in reports like Material Consumption Analysis, Inventory Turnover, or Material Valuation Reports, the system asks for the number of top materials to limit the output to the most relevant items.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error VR473, you need to:
  
  
  Specify the number of top materials in the input screen or selection criteria of the transaction/report you are running.
  
  
  Enter a valid positive integer value indicating how many top materials you want to display or analyze. For example, enter 10 to see the top 10 materials.
  
  
  If you are unsure about the number, start with a reasonable number like 10 or 20, depending on your reporting needs.
  
  
  After entering the number, proceed with executing the report or transaction.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This message is common in logistics and controlling modules, especially in Inventory Management (MM-IM), Material Valuation (MM-IM), and Controlling (CO) reports.
  The "top materials" concept is used to focus on the most significant materials based on certain criteria (e.g., highest consumption value, highest stock value).
  If you frequently run reports requiring this input, consider creating variants with predefined values for the number of top materials.
  If the field is missing or not visible, check if the transaction variant or user parameters are set correctly.
  In some cases, this message can appear if the selection screen is customized or if mandatory fields are not filled.
  
  
  Example:
  If you run transaction MB5B (Stocks for Posting Date) or a custom report that analyzes material consumption, and the system prompts with VR473, simply enter the number of top materials you want to see, such as:
  Number of top materials: 10
  Then execute the report.
  
  If you need further assistance, please provide the exact transaction or report name where you encounter this message.