How To Fix W0014 - Ref. plant for store in distr. chain contains errors (diff. mat. data)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W0 - Customizing - ISR

• Message number: 014

• Message text: Ref. plant for store in distr. chain contains errors (diff. mat. data)

What causes this issue?

Different material data exists for the reference store entered.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Enter a reference store for which no different material data exists.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W0014 - Ref. plant for store in distr. chain contains errors (diff. mat. data) ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W0014 - Ref. plant for store in distr. chain contains errors (diff. mat. data)
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs in the context of distribution chains in SAP Retail. It indicates that the reference plant assigned to a store within a distribution chain has inconsistencies or differences in material master data compared to the store's own material data.
  In SAP Retail, a distribution chain links a central warehouse or plant (reference plant) with multiple stores. The reference plant is used for centralized material management, such as stock transfers, pricing, and planning. For smooth operations, the material master data (e.g., material type, unit of measure, sales data, purchasing data) must be consistent between the reference plant and the stores.
  The error arises when the material master data for the same material differs between the reference plant and the store, causing conflicts in processes like stock transfer, sales, or inventory management.
  
  Typical Causes Include:
  
  Differences in material master views (e.g., Sales, Purchasing, MRP) between the reference plant and the store.
  Missing or inconsistent data in the store's material master compared to the reference plant.
  Different units of measure or material types.
  Incorrect or incomplete assignment of the reference plant in the distribution chain setup.
  Data not synchronized after material master changes.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Material Master Data Consistency:
  
  Use transaction MM03 to display the material master for both the reference plant and the store.
  Compare key views such as Basic Data, Sales, Purchasing, MRP, and Accounting.
  Ensure that critical fields like material type, base unit of measure, sales unit, and valuation data are consistent.
  
  
  
  Synchronize Material Master Data:
  
  If differences are found, update the store's material master to align with the reference plant.
  Use mass maintenance tools like MM17 or LSMW if many materials are affected.
  Alternatively, re-create or adjust the material master data for the store.
  
  
  
  Check Distribution Chain Setup:
  
  Verify the reference plant assignment in transaction SPRO under Retail ? Master Data ? Distribution Chain ? Define Distribution Chain.
  Ensure the reference plant is correctly assigned and active.
  
  
  
  Run Consistency Checks:
  
  Use SAP Retail reports or tools to check for inconsistencies in distribution chains and material masters.
  For example, transaction WMDERIV (Material Derivation) or custom reports.
  
  
  
  Recreate or Adjust Reference Plant Assignment:
  
  If the reference plant is incorrectly assigned or the distribution chain setup is faulty, correct it.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check for relevant SAP Notes that address known issues with distribution chains and material master synchronization.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Distribution Chain: A key organizational unit in SAP Retail linking a reference plant (central warehouse) with stores.
  Reference Plant: The plant that acts as the central point for material management in a distribution chain.
  Material Master Consistency: Essential for processes like stock transfer, pricing, and sales.
  Transactions:
  
  MM03: Display Material Master
  MM02: Change Material Master
  SPRO: Customizing for Distribution Chain setup
  WMDERIV: Material Derivation (Retail)
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to message W0014 or distribution chain material inconsistencies.
  
  
  Summary:
  The W0014 warning indicates material master data inconsistencies between the reference plant and the store in a distribution chain. To resolve it, verify and align the material master data across plants, ensure correct distribution chain setup, and maintain data consistency for smooth retail operations.