How To Fix WES_OUTBOUND040 - Dependent plant &1 is already a reference plant at the distribution chain

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WES_OUTBOUND - Messages for Outbound Services

• Message number: 040

• Message text: Dependent plant &1 is already a reference plant at the distribution chain

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WES_OUTBOUND040 - Dependent plant &1 is already a reference plant at the distribution chain ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WES_OUTBOUND040: Dependent plant &1 is already a reference plant at the distribution chain
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the configuration or maintenance of distribution chains in SAP's Supply Chain Management (SCM) or Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) modules, particularly in the context of Supply Network Planning (SNP) or Transportation Planning.
  
  The message indicates that the plant you are trying to assign as a dependent plant in a distribution chain is already assigned as a reference plant in the same distribution chain.
  In SAP's distribution chain setup, a plant cannot simultaneously be a dependent plant and a reference plant within the same distribution chain.
  This is a data consistency or configuration issue where the system prevents circular or conflicting assignments to maintain the integrity of the distribution network.
  
  
  Explanation of Terms:
  
  Reference Plant: The plant that acts as a source or supply point in the distribution chain.
  Dependent Plant: The plant that depends on the reference plant for supply or distribution.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that the plant is assigned correctly in the distribution chain:
  
  
  Check the Distribution Chain Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction or IMG path where distribution chains are maintained (e.g., in APO: /SAPAPO/SDP94 or /SAPAPO/SDP94 for SNP).
  Review the distribution chain in question.
  
  
  
  Identify the Plant Assignments:
  
  Verify which plants are assigned as reference plants.
  Verify which plants are assigned as dependent plants.
  
  
  
  Correct the Assignment:
  
  If the plant is currently assigned as a reference plant, it cannot be assigned as a dependent plant in the same distribution chain.
  Decide the correct role for the plant in the distribution chain:
  
  If it should be a reference plant, remove it from the dependent plant list.
  If it should be a dependent plant, remove it from the reference plant list.
  
  
  
  
  
  Save the Corrected Configuration:
  
  After correcting the assignments, save the distribution chain.
  The error should no longer appear.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Notes:
  
  This error helps prevent logical inconsistencies in supply chain planning.
  If you need the plant to act in both roles, consider creating separate distribution chains or restructuring your supply network.
  Always ensure that the distribution chain reflects the real-world supply relationships.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WES_OUTBOUND040: Dependent plant &1 is already a reference plant at the distribution chain
  
  
  Cause
  Plant assigned as both dependent and reference plant in the same distribution chain
  
  
  Solution
  Remove the plant from either dependent or reference plant assignment in the distribution chain
  
  
  Where to Check
  Distribution chain configuration in APO (e.g., /SAPAPO/SDP94) or SCM IMG
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with the exact transaction or IMG path based on your SAP version or module, please let me know!