How To Fix W_016 - Empties BOMs not supported yet

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W_ - Upload CRM -> R3 BOMs / Structured Materials

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Empties BOMs not supported yet

What causes this issue?

A BOM should be created for material &V1&. In Retail, the material can
only be the header BOM of an empties BOM. However, empties BOMs are not
supported.

System Response

The BOM cannot be created. Empties scenarios are not yet supported.

How to fix this error?

Ensure during the product upload that the header and component products
are created in OLTP with the correct article category and the correct
material type.
In Retail, only the following article categories are currently
supported as header materials during the BOM upload:
Sales set (article category "10")
Display materials (article category "12")
Prepack materials (article category "11")

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W_016 - Empties BOMs not supported yet ?

  Certainly! Here's detailed information about the SAP error message W_016: "Empties BOMs not supported yet":
  
  Error Message
  W_016: Empties BOMs not supported yet
  
  Cause
  This warning message occurs when you try to process or use a Bill of Materials (BOM) that contains empty components (also called "empties") in a context or transaction where such BOMs are not yet supported by the system or the specific functionality you are using.
  
  Empty BOMs refer to BOMs that include components marked as "empty" or placeholders without actual material assigned.
  Some SAP functions, add-ons, or industry solutions do not support BOMs with empty components because these empties can cause inconsistencies or are not handled in the logic of the process.
  This message is often encountered in scenarios involving production orders, costing, or planning where the system expects fully defined BOMs.
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When creating or processing production orders or process orders with BOMs containing empties.
  During costing runs or material requirements planning (MRP) if empties are present in BOMs.
  In certain SAP modules or industry solutions (e.g., SAP PP, SAP PP-PI, or SAP Variant Configuration) where empties are not yet supported.
  
  
  Solution / How to resolve
  
  
  Avoid using empties in BOMs  
  
  Review the BOM and remove or replace empty components with valid materials.
  If empties are used as placeholders, consider redesigning the BOM to use valid components or configurable materials.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes and system updates  
  
  Sometimes SAP releases notes or patches that improve support for empties in BOMs.
  Search the SAP Support Portal for notes related to empties BOMs and your SAP version.
  
  
  
  Use alternative approaches  
  
  If empties are required for your business process, consider alternative modeling techniques such as:
  
  Using configurable materials (variant configuration).
  Using phantom assemblies or subassemblies with valid components.
  
  
  
  
  
  Consult SAP documentation or support  
  
  If the process absolutely requires empties, contact SAP support for guidance or check if newer SAP releases support empties in your scenario.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information
  
  Empties in BOMs are sometimes used in complex product structures to represent optional or configurable parts.
  The message is a warning (W_), not an error, so the system may allow the process to continue but with limited or no support for empties.
  The handling of empties varies by SAP module and version; newer versions may have better support.
  Always test changes in a development or quality system before applying to production.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Message
  W_016: Empties BOMs not supported yet
  
  
  Cause
  BOM contains empty components not supported in current process or system version
  
  
  Effect
  Warning issued; process may not fully support empties BOMs
  
  
  Solution
  Remove empties, replace with valid components, check SAP notes, or redesign BOM
  
  
  Related Areas
  Production orders, costing, MRP, variant configuration
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or process where you encounter this message, I can help with more tailored advice.