How To Fix W4079 - &: & The material ledger still has to be settled

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 079

• Message text: &: & The material ledger still has to be settled

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?

Settle the material ledger. 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 W4079 - &: & The material ledger still has to be settled ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  W4079 & : & The material ledger still has to be settled
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when you try to perform an action (such as closing a period, posting a document, or executing a settlement) but the Material Ledger (ML) for the specified period or material has not yet been settled. In SAP, the Material Ledger must be settled to transfer the variances and actual costs from the ML to the financial accounting or controlling modules.
  The system detects that there are open or unsettled ML documents or periods, meaning the ML data is still "open" and needs to be finalized before proceeding.
  
  Explanation:
  
  The Material Ledger collects actual costs and variances for materials.
  At the end of a period, these costs must be settled to update the inventory valuation and cost of goods sold.
  If the settlement is not done, the system prevents further postings or period closing to ensure data consistency.
  This message is a warning (W4079), indicating that the user should settle the ML before continuing.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Open ML Periods:
  
  Use transaction CKMLCP (Material Ledger: Period Closing) to check if the ML period is still open.
  Verify if the period for the relevant plant/material is open.
  
  
  
  Perform Material Ledger Settlement:
  
  Run the settlement program via CKMLCP or CKMLCP ? Period Closing ? Execute Settlement.
  This process settles the ML variances and posts the necessary accounting documents.
  
  
  
  Check for Open ML Documents:
  
  Use transaction CKM3 (Material Price Analysis) or CKM3N to check if there are any open ML documents.
  If open documents exist, they need to be settled.
  
  
  
  Verify Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the ML is properly configured for the plant/material.
  Check if the ML is active and the relevant periods are open.
  
  
  
  After Settlement:
  
  Once the ML is settled, retry the original action (posting, period closing, etc.).
  The warning should no longer appear.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  Material Ledger Settlement is a critical step in actual costing and inventory valuation.
  Failure to settle ML can lead to incorrect inventory values and cost of goods sold.
  The settlement process posts the variances to the appropriate cost objects or financial accounts.
  This message is common in companies using actual costing or multiple currencies in inventory valuation.
  Always ensure that the ML period is closed before closing the financial period.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Message
  W4079 & : & The material ledger still has to be settled
  
  
  Cause
  Material Ledger period or documents are not settled yet
  
  
  Solution
  Run ML settlement via CKMLCP, check open periods/documents, then retry the operation
  
  
  Transactions
  CKMLCP (Period Closing), CKM3/CKM3N (Price Analysis), CKMLCP (Settlement)
  
  
  Impact
  Prevents period closing or postings until ML is settled to ensure accurate costing
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with the exact steps to run the settlement or troubleshoot further, feel free to ask!