How To Fix W#173 - For sub-item &1 higher-level item (&2) differs from main item (&3)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W# -

• Message number: 173

• Message text: For sub-item &1 higher-level item (&2) differs from main item (&3)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W#173 - For sub-item &1 higher-level item (&2) differs from main item (&3) ?

  The SAP error message W#173 indicates that there is a discrepancy between the sub-item and its higher-level item in relation to the main item. This typically occurs in the context of materials management, particularly when dealing with item hierarchies in sales orders, purchase orders, or inventory management.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  The characteristics or attributes of the sub-item do not match those of the higher-level item or the main item.
  There may be inconsistencies in the configuration of the item hierarchy, such as differing units of measure, material types, or other relevant attributes.
  The sub-item may have been incorrectly assigned or created, leading to a mismatch with the higher-level item.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Item Configuration:
  
  Review the configuration of the sub-item, higher-level item, and main item. Ensure that they have consistent attributes, such as unit of measure, material type, and other relevant settings.
  
  
  
  Review Item Hierarchy:
  
  Verify the item hierarchy in the system. Ensure that the sub-item is correctly assigned to the higher-level item and that the higher-level item is correctly linked to the main item.
  
  
  
  Correct Data Entry:
  
  If the sub-item was created or modified incorrectly, you may need to delete and recreate it or adjust its attributes to match those of the higher-level item.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on item hierarchies and configurations. This can provide insights into the expected relationships between items.
  
  
  
  Check for Customizations:
  
  If your organization has custom configurations or enhancements in SAP, consult with your SAP technical team to ensure that these customizations are not causing the issue.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making adjustments, test the changes in a development or quality environment before applying them to the production system to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), or VA01 (Create Sales Order) to review and modify the relevant items.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to view and modify item configurations in the system.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in materials management for further assistance.