How To Fix W4218 - &: & material ledger: header and period records deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 218

• Message text: &: & material ledger: header and period records deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4218 - &: & material ledger: header and period records deleted ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  W4218 & : & material ledger: header and period records deleted
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  
  This warning message indicates that the Material Ledger (ML) header and period records for a particular material and period have been deleted.
  It usually occurs during Material Ledger closing or data processing when the system detects that the ML header and period records no longer exist for the specified material and period.
  This situation can arise due to:
  
  Manual deletion of ML data.
  Incomplete or inconsistent ML data due to previous errors or interruptions.
  Data inconsistencies caused by system crashes or improper closing of ML periods.
  Custom programs or manual interventions that deleted ML records.
  
  
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During ML period closing (transaction CKMLCP).
  When running ML reports or data collection programs.
  During ML data reconciliation or inventory valuation processes.
  
  
  Impact:
  
  The deletion of header and period records means that the system cannot process or display ML data for that material and period.
  It may cause incomplete or incorrect inventory valuation or reporting.
  It can block further ML processing for the affected material and period.
  
  
  Solution / How to resolve:
  
  
  Check the ML data consistency:
  
  Use transaction CKMLCP (Material Ledger Closing Cockpit) to check the status of the ML period.
  Run transaction CKMLCP and check if the period is open or closed.
  Use transaction CKMLPP (Material Ledger Period Processing) to check and process ML data.
  
  
  
  Recreate missing ML header and period records:
  
  If the ML header and period records are missing, you may need to recreate them.
  This can be done by running the ML initialization or data collection programs again.
  For example, run transaction CKMLCP to open the period and collect data again.
  Alternatively, use transaction CKMLCP to reset and reprocess the ML period.
  
  
  
  Check for manual deletions or inconsistencies:
  
  Investigate if any manual deletions or custom programs have deleted ML data.
  Restore data from backup if necessary.
  
  
  
  Run consistency checks:
  
  Use SAP standard reports or programs to check ML data consistency.
  For example, run report RCKMLPP0 (Material Ledger Period Closing) with consistency check options.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to ML data deletion or period inconsistencies.
  For example, SAP Note 123456 (example) might provide specific instructions.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists and cannot be resolved by the above steps, raise a support ticket with SAP.
  Provide detailed logs and system information.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Material Ledger (ML): A component in SAP controlling inventory valuation and actual costing.
  Transactions:
  
  CKMLCP: Material Ledger Closing Cockpit.
  CKMLPP: Material Ledger Period Processing.
  CKMLPP0: Report for ML period closing.
  
  
  Tables:
  
  MLHD: Material Ledger Header.
  MLIT: Material Ledger Inventory Table.
  MLCR: Material Ledger Cost Record.
  
  
  SAP Notes and KBAs: Always check the SAP Service Marketplace for notes related to ML data inconsistencies.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  ML header and period records deleted due to manual deletion, inconsistencies, or errors.
  
  
  Effect
  ML data processing and reporting for the material and period is blocked or incomplete.
  
  
  Solution
  Check ML period status, recreate missing records by rerunning ML data collection, run consistency checks, restore data if needed.
  
  
  Transactions
  CKMLCP, CKMLPP, CKMLPP0
  
  
  Further Help
  SAP Notes, SAP Support
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context or transaction where this message appears, I can help with more specific steps.