How To Fix WS249 - Document category &1 of preceding document is not permitted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 249

• Message text: Document category &1 of preceding document is not permitted

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS249 - Document category &1 of preceding document is not permitted ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS249 - Document category &1 of preceding document is not permitted
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to create a document that references a preceding document with a document category that is not allowed in the current business process or transaction. In SAP, certain document categories (e.g., invoice, credit memo, debit memo, etc.) are only permitted to follow or be referenced by specific preceding document categories. If the system detects that the preceding document's category is not valid for the current document type or transaction, it throws this error.
  For example, in Sales and Distribution (SD), when creating a billing document, the system checks the preceding document (like a delivery or sales order). If the document category of the preceding document is not allowed for the billing document type, this error appears.
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  Creating a billing document referencing a preceding document with an invalid category.
  Posting a document in Financial Accounting (FI) that references a preceding document with an incompatible document category.
  In Logistics, referencing a preceding document (like a purchase order or delivery) that has a document category not allowed for the current document.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Document Category of the Preceding Document:
  
  Identify the preceding document number.
  Use transaction codes like VA03 (Display Sales Order), VL03N (Display Delivery), or FB03 (Display Document) to check the document category.
  Document category is usually visible in the header or document overview.
  
  
  
  Verify Allowed Document Categories:
  
  Check the configuration/customizing settings that define which document categories are allowed to be referenced by the current document type.
  For SD billing documents, this is controlled in the billing document type configuration (SPRO ? Sales and Distribution ? Billing ? Billing Documents ? Define Billing Types).
  For FI documents, check the document type settings and allowed preceding document categories.
  
  
  
  Correct the Preceding Document or Use a Different Document:
  
  If the preceding document is incorrect or of the wrong category, use the correct preceding document.
  If the business process requires referencing this document category, you may need to adjust the configuration (see next step).
  
  
  
  Adjust Configuration (if business process requires):
  
  In customizing, allow the document category of the preceding document for the current document type.
  For SD billing, this might involve adding the document category to the allowed preceding document categories in billing document type settings.
  For FI, check document type and number range settings.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes or Support:
  
  If the error persists or the scenario is complex, check SAP Notes for known issues related to WS249.
  Contact SAP support if necessary.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  VA03 - Display Sales Order
  VL03N - Display Delivery
  VF03 - Display Billing Document
  FB03 - Display FI Document
  SPRO - Customizing (for configuration)
  
  
  
  SAP IMG Paths:
  
  For SD Billing Document Types:
  
  SPRO ? Sales and Distribution ? Billing ? Billing Documents ? Define Billing Types
  For FI Document Types:
  
  SPRO ? Financial Accounting ? Financial Accounting Global Settings ? Document ? Document Types
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search for "WS249" in the SAP Support Portal for any specific notes or patches.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: The preceding document's category is not allowed for the current document type.
  Solution: Verify and correct the preceding document or adjust configuration to allow the document category.
  Check: Document categories, allowed preceding document categories in customizing, and business process correctness.
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or business process where this error occurs, I can help with more specific guidance.