How To Fix WS511 - Description of purchase order type & was not found

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 511

• Message text: Description of purchase order type & was not found

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS511 - Description of purchase order type & was not found ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS511 - Description of purchase order type & was not found
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when the system cannot find the description for a given purchase order (PO) type in the system. Essentially, the PO type you are trying to use or reference does not have a corresponding description maintained in the system's customizing settings.
  In SAP, each PO type (e.g., NB, FO, etc.) must have a description maintained in the system. If the description is missing or the PO type itself is not defined properly, the system throws this error.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When creating or processing a purchase order with a PO type that is not properly configured.
  When the PO type exists but its description is missing in the customizing.
  During document processing or printing where the system tries to display the PO type description but cannot find it.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check PO Type Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction SPRO ?
  
  Materials Management ?
  
  Purchasing ?
  
  Purchase Order ?
  
  Define Document Types  
  Verify that the PO type you are using exists.
  
  
  
  Maintain Description for PO Type:
  
  In the same customizing path, ensure that the description for the PO type is maintained.
  If missing, add the appropriate description.
  
  
  
  Check Language Settings:
  
  Sometimes the description might be missing for the specific logon language.
  Use transaction SE63 or check the language-dependent texts to ensure the description exists for the language you are using.
  
  
  
  Transport and System Consistency:
  
  If you recently transported customizing settings, verify that the PO type and its description were included.
  Check for inconsistencies between development and production systems.
  
  
  
  User Exits or Enhancements:
  
  If there are custom developments or user exits that manipulate PO types, verify they are not causing the issue.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  ME21N - Create Purchase Order
  ME22N - Change Purchase Order
  ME23N - Display Purchase Order
  SPRO - Customizing Implementation Guide
  SE63 - Translation/Language Maintenance
  
  
  
  Tables:
  
  T161 - Purchase Order Types
  T161T - Purchase Order Type Texts (descriptions)
  
  
  
  Notes:
  
  Always ensure that the PO type is correctly defined and descriptions are maintained for all relevant languages.
  Missing descriptions can cause issues in reporting, printing, and document processing.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The WS511 error indicates that the system cannot find the description for the specified purchase order type. To fix it, verify and maintain the PO type and its description in the customizing settings under Materials Management ? Purchasing ? Purchase Order ? Define Document Types. Also, ensure the description exists for the user’s logon language.
  
  If you need step-by-step guidance on maintaining PO types or further troubleshooting, feel free to ask!