How To Fix WRF_REF168 - You are not authorized to change material attributes

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_REF - Messages from References for Materials Without History

• Message number: 168

• Message text: You are not authorized to change material attributes

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_REF168 - You are not authorized to change material attributes ?

  The SAP error message WRF_REF168, which states "You are not authorized to change material attributes," typically occurs when a user attempts to modify material master data but lacks the necessary authorizations to perform that action. This is a common issue in SAP systems where user roles and authorizations are strictly managed to ensure data integrity and security.
  Cause:
  
  Authorization Issues: The user does not have the required authorization objects assigned to their user profile to change material attributes.
  Role Configuration: The roles assigned to the user may not include the necessary permissions for the specific transaction or action they are trying to perform.
  Material Type Restrictions: Certain material types may have specific restrictions that require additional authorizations.
  Organizational Level Restrictions: The user may not have the necessary authorizations at the organizational level (e.g., plant, storage location) for the material they are trying to change.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Use transaction code SU53 immediately after the error occurs to check which authorization check failed. This will provide insight into what specific authorization is missing.
  Alternatively, you can use transaction SU01 to view the user’s roles and authorizations.
  
  
  
  Review Role Assignments:
  
  Work with your SAP security team to review the roles assigned to the user. Ensure that the roles include the necessary authorization objects for changing material attributes (e.g., M_MATE_MAR, M_MATE_WRK, etc.).
  If the user needs to change material attributes, they may require roles that include permissions for transactions like MM02 (Change Material) or MM01 (Create Material).
  
  
  
  Modify Roles:
  
  If the user requires additional permissions, the security team can modify existing roles or create new roles that include the necessary authorizations.
  Ensure that the roles are tested in a development or quality environment before being transported to production.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or internal guidelines regarding material master data management and authorization requirements.
  
  
  
  Training and Awareness:
  
  Ensure that users are aware of the authorization processes and the importance of having the correct roles assigned for their tasks.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Authorization Objects: Familiarize yourself with the relevant authorization objects related to material management, such as:
  
  M_MATE_MAR (Material Master: General Data)
  M_MATE_WRK (Material Master: Plant Data)
  M_MATE_VRK (Material Master: Sales Data)
  
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  MM02: Change Material
  MM01: Create Material
  SU53: Display Authorization Check
  SU01: User Maintenance
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues or provide additional guidance related to authorization errors.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the WRF_REF168 error and implement a solution to resolve the authorization issue.