How To Fix WS124 - Payment reference for document & cannot be set automatically

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 124

• Message text: Payment reference for document & cannot be set automatically

What causes this issue?

Automatic maintenance of the 'Payment reference' field is not possible
as errors were found during the check on the validity of the entry.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

If you require the 'Payment reference' field for clearing, maintain the
field manually. If document &V1& is to have status 'C', you can
maintain the payment reference in the relevant accounting document.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS124 - Payment reference for document & cannot be set automatically ?

  The SAP error message:
  WS124: Payment reference for document & cannot be set automatically
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the automatic payment run or when posting a payment document. The system tries to assign a payment reference to a financial document (such as an invoice or payment), but it cannot determine or set the payment reference automatically.
  Common reasons include:
  
  The payment reference field is expected to be filled but the system cannot find a suitable value.
  Missing or incorrect configuration in the payment program or document types.
  The document or vendor/customer master data does not contain the necessary reference information.
  The payment method or house bank settings do not allow automatic assignment of the payment reference.
  Customizing settings for payment reference determination are incomplete or inconsistent.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WS124 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Payment Reference Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction OBVU (or relevant customizing path) and verify the settings for payment reference determination.
  Ensure that the payment method and document types are configured correctly to allow automatic assignment of payment references.
  
  
  
  Review Vendor/Customer Master Data:
  
  Check if the vendor or customer master records have the necessary reference fields filled.
  Verify if the payment reference is expected to be derived from the master data.
  
  
  
  Analyze the Payment Document:
  
  Review the document for which the payment reference cannot be set.
  Check if the document has the required fields populated or if any custom logic is interfering.
  
  
  
  Check Payment Program Parameters:
  
  In transaction F110 (automatic payment run), verify the parameters and settings.
  Ensure that the payment method and house bank settings support automatic payment reference assignment.
  
  
  
  Debug or Check User Exits/BADIs:
  
  If custom enhancements or user exits are implemented for payment processing, check if they are causing the issue.
  Debug the payment program to see why the reference cannot be set.
  
  
  
  Manual Entry:
  
  If automatic assignment is not possible, consider entering the payment reference manually during payment posting.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  F110 - Automatic Payment Run
  FB03 - Display Document
  OBVU - Payment Reference Configuration
  OBPM1 - Payment Method Configuration
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to payment reference issues or WS124 error for your SAP version.
  
  
  
  Payment Reference Field:
  
  The payment reference is often used for reconciliation and identification of payments.
  It can be derived from invoice numbers, customer references, or other document fields.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The WS124 error indicates that SAP cannot automatically assign a payment reference to a document during payment processing. The root cause is usually configuration or master data issues related to payment reference determination. Reviewing and correcting the payment method settings, document data, and customizing usually resolves the problem. If necessary, manual intervention or debugging custom code may be required.