How To Fix WS198 - Texts cannot be maintained at item level for settlement doc. type &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 198

• Message text: Texts cannot be maintained at item level for settlement doc. type &1

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 WS198 - Texts cannot be maintained at item level for settlement doc. type &1 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WS198 - Texts cannot be maintained at item level for settlement doc. type &1
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to maintain or enter texts at the item level for a settlement document type that does not allow item-level texts. In SAP, certain settlement document types are configured to only allow texts at the header level, not at the item level. Attempting to enter or change texts at the item level for such document types triggers this error.
  
  Explanation:
  
  Settlement documents in SAP (e.g., for internal orders, WBS elements, cost centers) have document types that control various behaviors.
  Some settlement document types are designed to maintain texts only at the header level to ensure consistency and avoid redundancy.
  The system checks the document type settings when you try to maintain texts and throws WS198 if item-level text maintenance is not permitted.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Settlement Document Type Configuration:
  
  Use transaction code OKO7 to review the settings for the settlement document type.
  Verify whether the document type allows texts at the item level.
  
  
  
  Adjust Your Process:
  
  If the document type does not allow item-level texts, maintain texts only at the header level.
  Avoid entering or changing texts at the item level for this document type.
  
  
  
  If Item-Level Texts Are Required:
  
  Consult with your SAP functional team or basis team to check if the settlement document type can be customized to allow item-level texts.
  This might involve customizing or creating a new settlement document type that supports item-level text maintenance.
  
  
  
  Workaround:
  
  Maintain necessary descriptive information at the header level or in other available fields.
  Use additional documentation or notes linked to the settlement document header.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  OKO7 – Maintain Settlement Document Types
  KO88 – Actual Settlement
  KO02 – Change Internal Order (where settlement documents are often created)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes / Documentation:
  
  Check SAP OSS notes or SAP Help Portal for any updates or patches related to settlement document types and text maintenance.
  
  
  
  Customizing Path:
  
  IMG ? Controlling ? Internal Orders ? Settle Internal Orders ? Define Settlement Document Types
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Error WS198 means you are trying to maintain item-level texts for a settlement document type that does not support it.
  Solution is to maintain texts only at the header level or adjust the document type settings if item-level texts are necessary.
  
  
  If you need help with the exact customizing steps or further troubleshooting, please provide the settlement document type you are working with.