How To Fix WS246 - Missing reference key in the document item data

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 246

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

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS246 - Missing reference key in the document item data ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WS246: Missing reference key in the document item data:
  
  Error Message:
  WS246 - Missing reference key in the document item data
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs during document processing (such as posting financial documents, material documents, or other transactional documents) when a required reference key or field in the item data is missing or not properly populated.
  
  The "reference key" is usually a field that links the current document item to another document or master data record.
  For example, in financial postings, this could be a missing assignment number, reference document number, or a missing key field required for the item.
  In logistics documents, it could be a missing reference to a purchase order, delivery note, or material document.
  The system expects this reference key to ensure data consistency and traceability between related documents.
  
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  Posting a document where the item data is incomplete.
  Data transfer from external systems where mandatory fields are not filled.
  Custom developments or user exits where the reference key is not set.
  Incorrect or incomplete data entry in transaction screens.
  Missing or incorrect configuration in document types or item categories that require reference keys.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Document Item Data:
  
  Review the item data in the document you are trying to post.
  Ensure that all mandatory reference fields are filled.
  For example, check fields like Reference Document Number, Assignment Number, Purchase Order Number, or any other key fields required by the document type.
  
  
  
  Verify Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration of the document type and item categories to confirm which fields are mandatory.
  Use transaction codes like OBA7 (for Financial Accounting document types) or relevant IMG paths for logistics documents.
  
  
  
  Data Entry Validation:
  
  If the document is created manually, ensure that the user enters all required reference keys.
  If the document is created via an interface or batch job, verify the data mapping and ensure the reference keys are correctly populated.
  
  
  
  Check Custom Code/User Exits:
  
  If there are enhancements or user exits involved in document creation, verify that the reference key fields are correctly set in the code.
  Debug the process to identify where the reference key is lost or not assigned.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WS246 for your specific module or scenario.
  Sometimes, SAP provides patches or corrections if this is a known issue.
  
  
  
  Example:
  
  In Financial Accounting, if you are posting a document and the assignment field is mandatory but left blank, the system may throw this error.
  Enter the assignment number or reference document number to resolve the issue.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  FB01 / FB50 / FB60 / FB70 (Financial Document Posting)
  MIGO (Goods Movement)
  VL01N (Create Outbound Delivery)
  ME21N (Create Purchase Order)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Service Marketplace or SAP ONE Support Launchpad for notes related to WS246.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use transaction ST22 to check for dumps if the error causes a short dump.
  Use SM13 to check update errors if the document posting fails during update.
  Debug the program where the error is raised to identify missing data.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help Portal for the specific module (FI, MM, SD) may provide details on mandatory fields for document items.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS246 - Missing reference key in the document item data
  
  
  Cause
  Required reference key field in document item is missing or not populated
  
  
  Solution
  Ensure all mandatory reference fields are filled; check configuration and custom code
  
  
  Related Info
  Check document type/item category settings, SAP Notes, debug enhancements if applicable
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific transaction or module context, I can help tailor the solution further!