How To Fix WS256 - Document &1 is incomplete as there is no item data

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 256

• Message text: Document &1 is incomplete as there is no item data

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS256 - Document &1 is incomplete as there is no item data ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS256 Document &1 is incomplete as there is no item data
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to post or process a document (such as a goods receipt, invoice, or any transactional document) in SAP, but the document header exists without any corresponding item data. In SAP, documents typically require at least one item line to be complete and valid. If the system finds a document header without any item entries, it flags the document as incomplete and throws this error.
  Common scenarios causing this error include:
  
  Attempting to post a document where item data was not entered or was deleted.
  Data inconsistencies due to incomplete data transfer or interface errors.
  Custom programs or user exits that create documents but fail to add item details.
  User error where the document header is created but no items are added before saving or posting.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Document Data:
  
  Verify the document in question (document number &1) to confirm if it has any item lines.
  Use transaction codes like MB03 (Display Material Document), FB03 (Display Financial Document), or the relevant transaction for the document type to inspect the document.
  
  
  
  Add Missing Item Data:
  
  If the document is incomplete, add the required item data (material, quantity, amount, etc.) before posting.
  If you are creating the document manually, ensure that at least one item line is entered.
  
  
  
  Correct Data Entry or Interface Issues:
  
  If the document is created via an interface or batch job, check the data source and interface logs to ensure item data is correctly passed.
  Fix any issues in the data mapping or interface programs.
  
  
  
  Check Custom Code:
  
  If custom developments (user exits, BAdIs, enhancements) are involved in document creation, review the code to ensure item data is properly populated.
  Debug the process to identify where item data might be missing.
  
  
  
  Delete or Reverse Incomplete Document:
  
  If the document cannot be completed, consider deleting or reversing it (if allowed) and recreate it correctly.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This error is a standard SAP message related to document completeness checks.
  It ensures data integrity by preventing documents without item details from being posted.
  The message text is usually found in message class WS.
  Similar errors may occur in various modules like MM (Material Management), FI (Financial Accounting), SD (Sales and Distribution), depending on the document type.
  Always ensure that business processes enforce the entry of item data before document posting.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  The error WS256 indicates that a document header exists without any item data, making the document incomplete. To resolve it, verify and add the missing item data or correct the process that creates the document to ensure item lines are included before posting.