How To Fix WRF_APC685 - You must enter a structured material.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 685

• Message text: You must enter a structured material.

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_APC685 - You must enter a structured material. ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WRF_APC685 – "You must enter a structured material."
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO), specifically in the Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS) or Supply Network Planning (SNP) modules, when a process or transaction requires a structured material (i.e., a material with a Bill of Materials (BOM) or a product structure), but the material entered is not structured.
  In other words, the system expects a material that has a BOM (a "structured material") because the planning or production process involves components or subassemblies. If the material is a simple or non-structured material (no BOM assigned), the system cannot proceed and throws this error.
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  When creating or processing production orders, planned orders, or demand planning for a material that should have a BOM but does not.
  During product allocation or pegging in APO where the system tries to explode the BOM.
  When running heuristics or planning runs that require structured materials.
  When entering a material in a transaction that requires a BOM (e.g., creating a production order in APO PP/DS).
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check if the material is structured:
  
  Verify in SAP ERP or SAP APO if the material has a BOM assigned.
  In SAP ERP, use transaction CS03 (Display BOM) to check if the material has a BOM.
  In SAP APO, check the product master and BOM data.
  
  
  
  Assign or create a BOM if missing:
  
  If the material should be structured, create or assign the appropriate BOM.
  In SAP ERP, create a BOM via transaction CS01.
  Ensure the BOM is correctly transferred or replicated to APO if using CIF (Core Interface).
  
  
  
  Check master data consistency:
  
  Ensure that the material master data and BOM data are consistent and correctly replicated between ERP and APO.
  Run CIF replication for BOM and product master if necessary.
  
  
  
  Use the correct material:
  
  If the material is not supposed to be structured (e.g., a trading good or a raw material), then do not use it in processes that require structured materials.
  Use a different material that has a BOM if the process requires it.
  
  
  
  Review process requirements:
  
  Confirm that the process or transaction you are performing logically requires a structured material.
  Adjust the process or planning parameters if needed.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction codes:
  
  CS01 – Create BOM
  CS03 – Display BOM
  CIF transactions for replication (e.g., CFM1, CFM2)
  APO transactions for product master and BOM maintenance
  
  
  
  Notes and documentation:
  
  SAP Notes related to BOM replication and APO master data consistency.
  SAP Help Portal documentation on APO PP/DS and SNP master data requirements.
  
  
  
  Common scenarios:
  
  Planning heuristics failing due to missing BOM.
  Production order creation in APO PP/DS requiring structured materials.
  SNP planning requiring BOM explosion.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  Error WRF_APC685 means the system expects a material with a BOM (structured material), but the material entered does not have one. To fix it, ensure the material has a BOM assigned and that the BOM data is correctly maintained and replicated. If the material is not supposed to be structured, use a different material or adjust the process accordingly.