How To Fix W5146 - Please enter either a short text or a material master record

W5146 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 146

• Message text: Please enter either a short text or a material master record

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W5146 - Please enter either a short text or a material master record ?

  SAP Error Message:
  W5146 – "Please enter either a short text or a material master record"
  
  
  Cause:
  This warning message appears when you are trying to create or process a document (such as a purchase order, sales order, or goods movement) that requires either a material master record or a short text description for the item, but neither has been provided.
  In SAP, when entering line items, you can specify materials either by referencing an existing material master record (material number) or by entering a free-text description (short text). If both fields are left empty, the system cannot identify the item and issues this warning.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  Creating purchase requisitions, purchase orders, or sales orders.
  Entering goods movements or inventory documents.
  Any transaction where item details are mandatory but missing.
  
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Enter a valid material number: If the item exists in the material master, input the material number in the relevant field.
  Enter a short text description: If the