How To Fix W#171 - Total sub-items (&1 &2) larger than main item quantity (&3 &4)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W# -

• Message number: 171

• Message text: Total sub-items (&1 &2) larger than main item quantity (&3 &4)

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W#171 - Total sub-items (&1 &2) larger than main item quantity (&3 &4) ?

  The SAP error message W#171 indicates that there is a discrepancy between the total quantity of sub-items and the quantity of the main item in a bill of materials (BOM) or a similar structure. Specifically, it means that the total quantity of the sub-items exceeds the quantity of the main item, which is not allowed in SAP.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect BOM Configuration: The quantities of the sub-items in the BOM may have been incorrectly defined, leading to a situation where their total exceeds the main item's quantity.
  Data Entry Errors: During the creation or modification of the BOM, incorrect quantities may have been entered for the sub-items.
  Changes in Main Item Quantity: If the quantity of the main item was changed after the sub-items were defined, it may lead to this error if the sub-items were not adjusted accordingly.
  Multiple BOMs: If there are multiple BOMs for the same main item, inconsistencies may arise if they are not synchronized.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review BOM Configuration: Check the BOM for the main item and verify the quantities of all sub-items. Ensure that the total quantity of sub-items does not exceed the quantity of the main item.
  Adjust Quantities: If the total of the sub-items is greater than the main item, adjust the quantities of the sub-items or the main item as necessary to ensure they are in alignment.
  Check for Changes: If there have been recent changes to the main item quantity, ensure that the sub-items are updated accordingly.
  Use Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like CS02 (Change BOM) or CS03 (Display BOM) to review and modify the BOM as needed.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on BOM management and error resolution.
  
  Related Information:
  
  BOM Structure: Understanding the structure of BOMs in SAP is crucial. Each main item can have multiple sub-items, and their quantities must be managed carefully.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to BOM management that might address this error.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to BOMs, as restrictions may prevent you from correcting the error.
  Testing Changes: After making adjustments, test the changes in a development or test environment before applying them in production to avoid further issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the W#171 error and ensure that your BOMs are correctly configured.