How To Fix WS245 - Missing reference key in the document header data

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 245

• Message text: Missing reference key in the document header data

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS245 - Missing reference key in the document header data ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message WS245 - Missing reference key in the document header data:
  
  SAP Error Message: WS245 - Missing reference key in the document header data
  
  Cause:
  The error WS245 occurs when a required reference key in the document header is missing during the processing of a document in SAP. This typically happens in scenarios involving document creation or posting where the system expects a reference key (such as a purchase order number, delivery note number, or other reference document identifiers) to be present in the header data but it is not provided.
  
  The reference key is often used to link the current document to a preceding document or to provide traceability.
  The missing reference key can be due to incomplete or incorrect data entry, missing mandatory fields in the document header, or issues in the interface or data transfer process (e.g., IDoc, BAPI, or custom programs).
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During document posting in modules like MM (Material Management), SD (Sales and Distribution), or FI (Financial Accounting).
  When creating or processing inbound/outbound documents that require a reference to a prior document.
  In custom developments or interfaces where the reference key is not correctly passed or mapped.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Document Header Data:
  
  Verify that the reference key field (e.g., Purchase Order number, Reference Document number) is correctly filled in the document header.
  Ensure that mandatory fields related to the reference key are not empty.
  
  
  
  Data Entry Validation:
  
  If the document is created manually, ensure the user enters the required reference key.
  If the document is created via an interface or batch job, check the source data and mapping logic.
  
  
  
  Review Custom Code or Interfaces:
  
  If the document is created via a BAPI, IDoc, or custom program, debug or review the code to ensure the reference key is correctly passed and assigned.
  Check the segment or structure where the reference key should be populated.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Verify if the reference key is mandatory in the configuration for the document type or transaction.
  Adjust the configuration if necessary, or ensure the process complies with the mandatory requirements.
  
  
  
  Reprocess the Document:
  
  After correcting the missing reference key, reprocess or repost the document.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Message Class: WS2 (or similar, depending on SAP version)
  Transaction Codes: The error can appear in various transactions depending on the module, e.g., ME21N (Purchase Order), VL01N (Delivery), FB01 (Financial Document Posting).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to WS245 for specific module-related fixes or patches.
  Debugging: Use transaction SE91 to look up the message text and class, and use debugging tools to trace where the reference key is expected but missing.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help Portal or module-specific documentation for details on mandatory fields and document flow.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS245 - Missing reference key in document header data
  
  
  Cause
  Required reference key in document header is missing or not passed
  
  
  Solution
  Ensure reference key is provided in header; check data entry, interfaces, and configuration
  
  
  Related TCodes
  ME21N, VL01N, FB01, etc.
  
  
  Additional
  Review custom code, debug, check SAP Notes
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific transaction or module context, I can help tailor the solution further!