How To Fix WS532 - Release of document &1 not possible, active follow-on document items

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 532

• Message text: Release of document &1 not possible, active follow-on document items

What causes this issue?

You want to release a document to Financial Accounting. At least one
item in the document is already set in a follow-on document and is still
active.

System Response

The system cannot release the document to Financial Accounting.

How to fix this error?

If you want to release the current document, first ensure that the
document contains only active items.
You can also set the active document items in a follow-on document and
then release this follow-on document.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS532 - Release of document &1 not possible, active follow-on document items ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WS532 - Release of document &1 not possible, active follow-on document items
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to release (post or finalize) a document in SAP, but the system detects that there are active follow-on document items linked to this document. A "follow-on document" is a subsequent document created based on the original document, such as delivery documents, billing documents, or accounting documents that reference the original document.
  The system prevents releasing the original document because the follow-on documents are still active (not yet completed, reversed, or deleted), which could lead to inconsistencies or data integrity issues.
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Trying to release a Purchase Order (PO) or Goods Receipt (GR) document while related follow-on documents (like Invoice, Delivery, or Material Documents) are still open or active.
  Attempting to change or release a billing document when related accounting documents are still active.
  Trying to release a production order or process order when follow-on confirmations or goods movements are still pending.
  
  
  Solution / How to Resolve:
  
  
  Check Follow-on Documents:
  
  Identify the follow-on documents linked to the original document.
  Use transaction codes or document flow to find related documents.
  
  For example, use ME23N (Display Purchase Order) and check the document flow.
  Use VL03N (Display Delivery) or VF03 (Display Billing Document) to check related documents.
  
  
  
  
  
  Complete or Close Follow-on Documents:
  
  Ensure that all follow-on documents are completed, posted, or closed.
  If follow-on documents are incomplete or in process, complete the necessary steps (post goods issue, post invoice, etc.).
  
  
  
  Reverse or Delete Follow-on Documents (if applicable):
  
  If follow-on documents were created in error, consider reversing or deleting them.
  Use appropriate transactions like MR8M (Cancel Invoice Document), VL09 (Cancel Goods Issue), or COGI (for production orders).
  
  
  
  Check Document Status:
  
  Verify the status of the original and follow-on documents.
  Sometimes, documents are blocked or on hold, which prevents release.
  
  
  
  Consult Document Flow:
  
  Use the document flow functionality to understand the sequence and dependencies.
  This helps in identifying which documents need action.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure you have the necessary authorizations to release or change the documents.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  This error is a safeguard to maintain data consistency in SAP.
  The exact nature of follow-on documents depends on the module (MM, SD, PP, FI).
  Sometimes, custom enhancements or user exits may influence document release logic.
  If unsure, consult with your SAP functional consultant or Basis team.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error Code
  WS532
  
  
  Message
  Release of document &1 not possible, active follow-on document items
  
  
  Cause
  Follow-on documents linked to the original document are still active/open
  
  
  Solution
  Identify and complete, reverse, or delete follow-on documents before releasing original
  
  
  Transactions
  ME23N, VL03N, VF03, MR8M, VL09, COGI
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific document type or module, I can give more tailored advice.