How To Fix WRF_ARTICLE_SCREENS021 - The "Main Assignment" indicator is not maintained consistently

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_ARTICLE_SCREENS - Message for Errors in Material Screens

• Message number: 021

• Message text: The "Main Assignment" indicator is not maintained consistently

What causes this issue?

A main assignment is only consistent if the relevant assignments are
located within the same category and the validity periods form an
uninterrupted series. You must have defined at least one assignment as a
main assignment.
These conditions have not been met with the current assignments, that is
to say, either assignments in different categories were defined as the
main assignment, the defined assignments are located within the same
category but do not form an uninterrupted series, or no assignment was
defined as the main assignment.
In addition, the valid-from date of a main assignment cannot be in the
future.
Continued maintenance is only possible in article hierarchy maintenance.

System Response

The system did not transfer the entered assignments.

How to fix this error?

Define the main assignments in such a way that the above conditions are
met and the required consistency is achieved.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_ARTICLE_SCREENS021 - The "Main Assignment" indicator is not maintained consistently ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WRF_ARTICLE_SCREENS021
  
  Text: The "Main Assignment" indicator is not maintained consistently.
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs in SAP Retail (IS-Retail) when maintaining article master data, specifically in the assignment of articles to assortments, assortment groups, or article hierarchies. The "Main Assignment" indicator is used to mark a primary or main assignment of an article to a particular grouping or assortment.
  The inconsistency arises when:
  
  The "Main Assignment" indicator is set for more than one assignment where only one main assignment is allowed.
  The "Main Assignment" indicator is missing where it is mandatory.
  There is a mismatch or conflict in the assignment data, such as multiple main assignments for the same article in the same context.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP Retail, an article can be assigned to multiple assortments or groups, but only one of these assignments can be marked as the "Main Assignment." This main assignment is important for processes like pricing, reporting, and assortment planning.
  If the system detects that the "Main Assignment" indicator is either missing or set inconsistently (e.g., multiple main assignments), it throws this error to prevent data inconsistencies.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to:
  
  
  Check Article Assignments:
  
  Go to the article master data maintenance transaction (e.g., MM43 or the relevant IS-Retail transaction).
  Navigate to the assignment screens where the article is assigned to assortments, assortment groups, or article hierarchies.
  
  
  
  Verify the "Main Assignment" Indicator:
  
  Ensure that exactly one assignment is marked as the "Main Assignment."
  If multiple assignments have this indicator, remove it from all but one.
  If none have it and it is mandatory, set the indicator for the appropriate assignment.
  
  
  
  Consistency Check:
  
  Use SAP standard reports or consistency check tools (if available) to identify inconsistent assignments.
  Correct the data accordingly.
  
  
  
  Save and Re-validate:
  
  After correcting the assignments, save the data.
  Re-run the process or transaction that triggered the error to confirm it is resolved.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transactions:  
  
  MM43 (Display Article)  
  MM42/MM41 (Change/Create Article)  
  IS-Retail specific transactions for assortment assignment (e.g., WRF1, WRF2, or custom transactions depending on your system setup).
  
  
  
  Tables:  
  
  MARA (General Article Data)  
  WRF_ARTICLE_ASSORT (or similar, depending on your system) for article-assortment assignments.
  
  
  
  Notes and Documentation:  
  
  Check SAP Notes related to article assignment and main assignment indicator inconsistencies.  
  SAP Help Portal for IS-Retail article master data management.
  
  
  
  Best Practices:  
  
  Always maintain a single main assignment per article per assignment type.  
  Regularly run consistency checks on article master data to avoid such errors.
  
  
  
  
  If you continue to face issues, consider involving your SAP Retail functional consultant or checking for any custom enhancements that might affect article assignment logic.
  
  Summary:
  
  The error WRF_ARTICLE_SCREENS021 occurs due to inconsistent maintenance of the "Main Assignment" indicator in article assignments. The solution is to ensure exactly one main assignment is set per article in the relevant assignment context.
  
  If you need help with specific transaction steps or further troubleshooting, please provide more details about the context in which the error occurs.