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How To Fix W5121 - Only "standard" and "service" allowed as item categories


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: W5 - Messages for MM-WEB Applications and BAPIs

  • Message number: 121

  • Message text: Only "standard" and "service" allowed as item categories

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  • Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W5121 - Only "standard" and "service" allowed as item categories ?

    SAP Error Message:
    W5121 - Only "standard" and "service" allowed as item categories


    Cause:

    This warning message occurs during sales document processing (e.g., sales order creation or item category determination) when an item category other than "Standard" (TAN) or "Service" (TAS) is assigned or proposed for a particular item, but the system or business process expects only these two item categories.

    Typically, this happens because:

    • The item category determination procedure or condition excludes other item categories for the sales document type or item category group.
    • The sales document type or item category group is configured to allow only standard and service items.
    • A custom or incorrect item category is manually entered or defaulted, which is not allowed in the current context.
    • The item category determination logic (e.g., in the sales document type or item category determination procedure) restricts the item categories to TAN and TAS.

    Solution:

    1. Check Item Category Determination:

      • Go to SPRO ? Sales and Distribution ? Sales ? Sales Documents ? Sales Document Item ? Define Item Categories.
      • Verify the item categories allowed for the sales document type and item category group.
      • Ensure that only TAN (Standard Item) and TAS (Service Item) are assigned or allowed if that is the business requirement.
    2. Review Sales Document Type Configuration:

      • Check the sales document type settings to confirm which item categories are permitted.
      • Adjust the item category group or sales document type if other item categories are needed.
    3. Check Master Data:

      • Verify the material master data for the item category group and item category assignment.
      • Ensure the material master is correctly maintained for the sales process.
    4. Adjust Item Category Determination Procedure:

      • If a custom item category is required, update the item category determination procedure to include the new item category.
      • Otherwise, restrict the item category to TAN or TAS as per the business process.
    5. Manual Correction:

      • If the item category was manually entered incorrectly, correct it to TAN or TAS.

    Related Information:

    • Item Categories in SAP SD:
      Item categories control the processing of sales order items, including pricing, delivery, billing, and inventory management. Common item categories include:

      • TAN - Standard item
      • TAS - Service item
      • TAN and TAS are often the only allowed categories in certain sales document types or processes.
    • Item Category Determination:
      The system determines the item category based on sales document type, item category group (from material master), and other factors like schedule line category.

    • Transaction Codes:

      • VA01 - Create Sales Order
      • VA02 - Change Sales Order
      • SPRO - Customizing (for configuration)
    • SAP Notes and Documentation:
      Check SAP Notes or the SAP Help Portal for specific notes related to item category determination and error W5121.


    Summary:

    W5121 warning indicates that only "standard" (TAN) and "service" (TAS) item categories are allowed in the current sales document context. The solution involves verifying and correcting the item category determination settings, sales document type configuration, and material master data to ensure compliance with this restriction or adjusting the configuration if other item categories are needed.


    If you provide the exact transaction or scenario where this error occurs, I can help with more specific steps.

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