How To Fix WS138 - Document &1 with status '&2' is not relevant for &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 138

• Message text: Document &1 with status '&2' is not relevant for &3

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 WS138 - Document &1 with status '&2' is not relevant for &3 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WS138 Document &1 with status '&2' is not relevant for &3
  
  1. Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to process or post a document in SAP that is in a status which does not allow the intended action. The system checks the document status before processing, and if the status is not appropriate (e.g., the document is blocked, reversed, or already processed), it raises this error.
  
  &1 = Document number  
  &2 = Current status of the document  
  &3 = The process or transaction you are trying to perform (e.g., posting, clearing, referencing)
  
  Common scenarios include:  
  
  Attempting to post a document that is already posted or reversed.  
  Trying to clear or reference a document that is blocked or not yet released.  
  Processing a document in a workflow or module where the document status is not valid for the operation.
  
  
  2. Solution:
  To resolve this error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check the document status:
  
  Use transaction codes like FB03 (Display Document) or module-specific transactions to view the document status. Identify if the document is blocked, reversed, parked, or already processed.
  
  
  Understand the required status:
  
  Determine what status the document should have for the intended operation. For example, posting requires the document to be in a "parked" or "ready" status, clearing requires the document to be open and not cleared.
  
  
  Correct the document status:  
  
  If the document is blocked, unblock it if appropriate.  
  If the document is reversed, you may need to create a new document or reverse the reversal.  
  If the document is parked, post it first before further processing.  
  If the document is already processed, check if the operation is valid or if you need to use a different document.
  
  
  
  Check authorization and configuration:
  
  Sometimes, the error can be due to missing authorizations or incorrect customizing settings that restrict processing certain document statuses.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WS138 for any known bugs or patches.
  
  
  
  3. Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  FB03 – Display Document  
  FBV0 – Post Parked Document  
  F-44 – Clear Vendor  
  F-28 – Post Incoming Payments  
  Module-specific transactions depending on the document type.
  
  
  
  SAP Modules:
  
  This error can appear in FI (Financial Accounting), MM (Materials Management), SD (Sales and Distribution), or other modules where document status control is critical.
  
  
  SAP Notes and KBAs:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to WS138 for module-specific guidance.
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If you have development access, debugging the program that raises WS138 can help identify the exact status check and why the document is considered irrelevant.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Document status not suitable for the intended process (e.g., blocked, reversed, posted)
  
  
  Solution
  Check and correct document status; ensure proper processing sequence and authorizations
  
  
  Related
  Use FB03 to check document; verify module-specific status requirements; consult SAP Notes
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or module context, I can help with more specific instructions.