How To Fix WRF_APC159 - Enter a material category

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_APC - Messages for Operational Assortment Planning and Control

• Message number: 159

• Message text: Enter a material category

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_APC159 - Enter a material category ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WRF_APC159 – Enter a material category
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when the system expects a material category to be entered but it is missing or not maintained in the relevant transaction or master data. The material category is a key classification that determines how the material is processed in various SAP modules, especially in Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) or related SCM components.
  Typically, this message appears in scenarios such as:
  
  Creating or changing a material master record in APO or ERP where the material category is mandatory.
  During data transfer or integration between ERP and APO systems where the material category is not properly mapped or maintained.
  When working with planning objects or product master data in APO, and the material category field is empty.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Enter the Material Category:
  
  Go to the relevant transaction (e.g., material master maintenance in ERP: MM01/MM02 or product master in APO).
  Ensure that the material category field is filled with a valid value.
  Save the record.
  
  
  
  Check Material Master Data:
  
  Verify that the material master has a valid material category assigned.
  If the material is being transferred from ERP to APO, check the CIF (Core Interface) settings and mappings to ensure the material category is correctly transferred.
  
  
  
  Review Customizing Settings:
  
  In SAP APO, check the customizing for product master and material categories.
  Ensure that the material category is defined and active in the system.
  
  
  
  Data Consistency:
  
  Run consistency checks or reports to identify materials missing the material category.
  Correct the data either manually or via mass maintenance tools.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Material Category: Defines the type of material (e.g., raw material, finished product, trading goods) and controls how the material is handled in procurement, planning, and inventory.
  Transactions:
  
  ERP: MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material)
  APO: /SAPAPO/MAT1 (Product Master Maintenance)
  
  
  Integration: When using CIF to transfer data between ERP and APO, material category must be consistent and correctly mapped.
  Customizing Path:  
  
  In ERP: SPRO ? Logistics – General ? Material Master ? Settings for Key Fields ? Define Material Types  
  In APO: SPRO ? Advanced Planning and Optimization ? Product Master ? Define Material Categories
  
  
  
  
  If the error persists after entering the material category, check for user authorizations or possible enhancements/user exits that might be enforcing additional validations.