How To Fix WE214 - You have specified an invalid EAN category

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WE - Messages for EAN Customizing and for EAN management in MM_BD

• Message number: 214

• Message text: You have specified an invalid EAN category

What causes this issue?

You have entered a number category that does not exist.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Enter a valid number category. You can choose one with F4.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE214 - You have specified an invalid EAN category ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WE214: "You have specified an invalid EAN category":
  
  Error Message:
  WE214 - You have specified an invalid EAN category
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the processing of IDoc segments that contain EAN (European Article Number) or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) data. The system expects a valid EAN category code, but the value provided in the IDoc or master data is not recognized or is invalid according to the configured EAN category codes in SAP.
  Typical scenarios include:
  
  The EAN category field in the IDoc segment (e.g., E1EDP01 or E1EDP19) contains a value that is not defined in the system.
  The EAN category code is missing or incorrectly maintained in the material master or partner master data.
  Custom or external systems sending IDocs with incorrect or non-standard EAN category codes.
  Incorrect mapping or data conversion in the middleware or interface layer.
  
  
  What is EAN Category?
  The EAN category is a code that specifies the type of EAN/GTIN number being used, such as:
  
  1 = EAN/UPC
  2 = ISBN
  3 = ISSN
  4 = EAN/UCC-128
  ... and so on.
  
  These codes are defined in SAP and must match the values expected by the system.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the EAN Category Value in the IDoc:
  
  Use transaction WE02 or WE05 to display the IDoc.
  Navigate to the segment containing the EAN category (often E1EDP01 or E1EDP19).
  Verify the value of the EAN category field (e.g., EANCAT or similar).
  
  
  
  Verify Valid EAN Category Codes in SAP:
  
  Use transaction VOTXN to check the valid EAN category codes.
  The domain or value table for EAN category codes is usually T006A or a similar table.
  Confirm that the EAN category code from the IDoc exists in this list.
  
  
  
  Correct the EAN Category Code:
  
  If the code is invalid, correct it in the source system or middleware that generates the IDoc.
  If the code is missing, ensure that the EAN category is properly maintained in the material master or partner master data.
  If a new EAN category code is required, it must be configured in SAP (consult with your SAP functional team).
  
  
  
  Material Master Check:
  
  Check the material master (transaction MM03) for the material's EAN/GTIN data.
  Ensure that the EAN category is correctly maintained under the relevant views (e.g., Basic Data or Sales).
  
  
  
  Partner Master Check:
  
  If the EAN category is related to a partner or vendor, check the partner master data.
  
  
  
  Reprocess the IDoc:
  
  After correction, reprocess the IDoc using BD87 or manually trigger the inbound processing.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Notes:
  
  This error is common in EDI scenarios involving product master data exchange or order processing where GTIN/EAN numbers are transmitted.
  Always ensure that the EAN category codes used comply with the standards agreed upon with your trading partners.
  If you have custom EAN categories, they must be properly configured in SAP to avoid this error.
  Check OSS notes or SAP support if the standard codes do not cover your business needs.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Invalid or unrecognized EAN category code in IDoc or master data.
  
  
  Solution
  Verify and correct the EAN category code in IDoc, material master, or partner master.
  
  
  Transaction
  WE02/WE05 (IDoc display), VOTXN (check valid codes), MM03 (material master), BD87 (reprocess IDoc)
  
  
  Related Info
  EAN category codes define the type of GTIN/EAN number; must be valid and consistent.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with specific transaction codes or configuration steps, feel free to ask!