How To Fix W4020 - &: & WM stock transfer (from material) exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 020

• Message text: &: & WM stock transfer (from material) exists

What causes this issue?

A (warehouse management) stock transfer document still exists for the
material.

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?

Delete the WM stock transfer document for the material.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4020 - &: & WM stock transfer (from material) exists ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4020 & : & WM stock transfer (from material) exists
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This warning message typically occurs in SAP Warehouse Management (WM) when you attempt to perform a material document posting or a stock transfer in Inventory Management (IM), but there is still an open or incomplete WM stock transfer related to the same material. In other words, the system detects that a WM stock transfer (transfer order or transfer requirement) for the material is still in process or not yet fully confirmed/closed.
  This situation can arise because WM and IM are tightly integrated, and certain stock movements in IM require corresponding WM movements to be completed first. If the WM transfer is not completed, the system prevents further IM postings to avoid inconsistencies in stock quantities.
  
  Typical Scenario:
  
  You try to post a goods movement (e.g., transfer posting, goods issue, or goods receipt) in IM.
  The system checks for open WM stock transfers related to the material.
  If such WM stock transfers exist and are not yet confirmed or completed, the system issues this warning to prevent inconsistent stock data.
  
  
  Solution / How to Resolve:
  
  
  Check Open WM Stock Transfers:
  
  Use transaction codes like LT21 (Display Transfer Order), LT23 (Display Transfer Order by Material), or LT24 (Display Transfer Orders by Warehouse Number) to find open transfer orders for the material.
  Alternatively, check transfer requirements (TR) using LSRQ or related transactions.
  
  
  
  Complete or Confirm WM Stock Transfers:
  
  Confirm or complete the open transfer orders using LT12 (Confirm Transfer Order) or LT15 (Confirm Transfer Order with Differences).
  Ensure that all WM stock movements related to the material are fully processed and closed.
  
  
  
  Check for Incomplete or Locked Documents:
  
  Sometimes, transfer orders may be locked or partially processed. Investigate and resolve any issues preventing completion.
  
  
  
  After Completion:
  
  Once all WM stock transfers are completed, retry the IM posting or stock transfer.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  This message is a warning (W), not an error, so it may allow you to proceed depending on system configuration, but it is recommended to resolve the underlying issue.
  The integration between IM and WM requires synchronization of stock movements to maintain accurate inventory records.
  If you frequently encounter this message, review your warehouse processes to ensure timely confirmation of WM transfer orders.
  In some cases, customizing or user-exits may influence how strictly the system enforces this check.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Open or incomplete WM stock transfer exists for the material, blocking IM postings.
  
  
  Effect
  Warning message W4020 is issued to prevent inconsistent stock data.
  
  
  Solution
  Identify and complete/confirm all open WM transfer orders related to the material.
  
  
  Transactions
  LT21, LT23, LT24 (Display TO), LT12, LT15 (Confirm TO), LSRQ (Transfer Requirements)
  
  
  Notes
  Ensure WM and IM stock movements are synchronized to avoid this warning.
  
  
  
  
  If you need further help, please provide details such as the transaction you were running, material number, and warehouse number.