How To Fix WRF_PPW823 - You can only activate/deactivate items at material level

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_PPW - Price Planning Workbench

• Message number: 823

• Message text: You can only activate/deactivate items at material level

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_PPW823 - You can only activate/deactivate items at material level ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WRF_PPW823 – "You can only activate/deactivate items at material level"
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to activate or deactivate items (such as batch management, classification, or other material-related settings) at a level other than the material level. In SAP, certain functions or settings can only be changed at the material master level, not at the individual item or sub-level (e.g., at the plant or batch level).
  For example, if you attempt to activate or deactivate batch management or other item-specific features in a context where the system expects changes only at the material master level, this error will be triggered.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the level at which you are trying to activate/deactivate the item:
  
  Ensure that you are performing the activation/deactivation at the material master level (e.g., transaction MM02 or relevant material master maintenance transactions).
  
  
  Use the correct transaction or screen:
  
  If you are trying to change batch management or classification settings, do it in the material master record, not in related documents or sub-levels.
  
  
  Verify authorizations:
  
  Sometimes, the error might be caused by insufficient authorization to change material master data. Confirm that you have the necessary permissions.
  
  
  Review the process:
  
  If you are using a custom program or enhancement, check that it is designed to update material-level data and not item-level data.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This message is often encountered in scenarios involving batch management, classification, or other material-specific settings.
  The message is part of the PP-WF (Production Planning - Workflow) or related modules where material master data integrity is critical.
  Refer to SAP Note or documentation related to material master data maintenance for detailed guidance.
  If this error occurs during a custom development or interface, review the logic to ensure updates are done at the correct data level.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  You must activate or deactivate items only at the material master level in SAP. Attempting to do so at a lower level (e.g., item or batch level) causes the WRF_PPW823 error. Correct the process to perform changes at the material master level to resolve the issue.