How To Fix W4078 - &: & request for quotation exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 078

• Message text: &: & request for quotation exists

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Delete the <DS:GLOS.3526C0A5AFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>request for
quotation</> that still exists for the material. You can then archive
the material.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4078 - &: & request for quotation exists ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message W4078: "&: & request for quotation exists":
  
  SAP Message W4078: "&: & request for quotation exists"
  
  1. Cause
  This warning message typically occurs in the Purchasing or Materials Management (MM) module when you attempt to create or process a document (such as a Purchase Order or a Purchase Requisition) for a material or vendor for which an existing Request for Quotation (RFQ) already exists.
  
  The system detects that there is already an open or relevant RFQ related to the same material/vendor combination.
  This is a preventive check to avoid duplicate or conflicting procurement documents.
  The placeholders & in the message are replaced at runtime with specific details, such as the RFQ number or vendor/material information.
  
  
  2. When does it occur?
  
  When creating a Purchase Order or Purchase Requisition and the system finds an open RFQ for the same item/vendor.
  When trying to convert a Purchase Requisition to a Purchase Order while an RFQ is still active.
  During RFQ processing or vendor selection steps.
  
  
  3. Solution
  
  Check existing RFQs: Review the existing RFQ(s) mentioned in the message. You can do this by:
  
  Going to transaction ME41 (Create RFQ) or ME43 (Display RFQ) and searching for open RFQs for the material/vendor.
  Use transaction ME5A or ME5K to list Purchase Requisitions and related RFQs.
  
  
  Decide on next steps:
  
  If the existing RFQ is still valid and active, consider using it instead of creating a new one.
  If the RFQ is obsolete or no longer needed, close or delete it before proceeding.
  
  
  Adjust your process:
  
  Avoid creating duplicate RFQs for the same procurement need.
  Coordinate with purchasing team to ensure RFQs are properly managed.
  
  
  Override warning (if appropriate):
  
  Since W4078 is a warning (not an error), you may be able to proceed by acknowledging the message if your business process allows it.
  However, this should be done cautiously to avoid procurement conflicts.
  
  
  
  
  4. Related Information
  
  Message Class: ME (Purchasing)
  Transaction Codes:
  
  ME41 - Create RFQ
  ME42 - Change RFQ
  ME43 - Display RFQ
  ME51N - Create Purchase Requisition
  ME21N - Create Purchase Order
  
  
  SAP Notes: Sometimes SAP releases notes related to RFQ processing and message handling. Check SAP Support Portal for any relevant notes if the message behavior is unexpected.
  Customization: The message behavior can be influenced by customizing in the Purchasing module, such as document types, release strategies, and tolerance limits.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  An existing RFQ for the same material/vendor is found when creating or processing documents.
  
  
  Effect
  Warning message W4078 is issued to prevent duplicate RFQs.
  
  
  Solution
  Review and manage existing RFQs; avoid duplicates; proceed with caution if overriding.
  
  
  Related Tcodes
  ME41, ME42, ME43, ME51N, ME21N
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context or transaction where you encountered this message, I can help with more specific guidance!