How To Fix WS557 - Save the selection parameters in a variant (See long text)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 557

• Message text: Save the selection parameters in a variant (See long text)

What causes this issue?

You selected the 'New run' indicator. If the report is terminated,
because time is exceeded for example, you can restart the report
starting with the next document to be processed. You should create a
variant for this, otherwise, when you restart the program, the system
may select too many documents because there are no selection criteria.
The system automatically only records the document interval you entered
and the last successfully processed document.
If you continue the progrm run, you must enter further selection
criteria (purchasing organization, purchasing group, etc.) for the
report again.

How to fix this error?

If necessary, create a variant. When the program run is restarted, you
can access this variant. You then only need to deselect the 'New run'
indicator.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS557 - Save the selection parameters in a variant (See long text) ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WS557 - "Save the selection parameters in a variant (See long text)":
  
  Error Message: WS557
  Message Text:
  
  "Save the selection parameters in a variant (See long text)"
  
  Cause:
  This message typically appears when you are trying to execute a report, transaction, or program that requires selection parameters to be saved in a variant before execution. The system expects the user to save the input parameters as a variant to ensure consistent and repeatable execution.
  
  The program or report is designed to run only if the selection criteria are stored in a variant.
  You may have entered selection parameters directly on the selection screen but did not save them as a variant.
  The program checks for a variant name and does not allow execution without it.
  
  
  Explanation:
  
  Variants in SAP are used to save a set of input values for selection screens.
  Some reports or batch jobs require variants to be used to avoid manual input every time.
  This error enforces the use of variants to maintain consistency and possibly for scheduling background jobs.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Save the selection parameters as a variant:
  
  On the selection screen of the report or transaction, enter the required selection parameters.
  Click on the Save as Variant button (usually a diskette icon or via menu: System ? User Profile ? Own Data ? Variants).
  Provide a name and description for the variant.
  Save the variant.
  
  
  
  Use the saved variant to execute the report:
  
  When running the report, specify the variant name.
  The program will then use the saved parameters and allow execution.
  
  
  
  If running in background:
  
  When scheduling the job, specify the variant name in the job parameters.
  This ensures the job runs with the correct selection criteria.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  
  Where to save variants:
  
  Variants can be saved locally (user-specific) or globally (available to all users), depending on authorization and requirement.
  
  
  Checking existing variants:
  
  Use transaction SE38 or SA38 to run the program, then use the Variants button to manage variants.
  
  
  Authorization:
  
  Ensure you have authorization to create and use variants.
  
  
  Related transactions:  
  
  SE38 / SA38 — Execute reports and manage variants  
  SM36 — Schedule background jobs with variants  
  SHD0 — Transaction variant maintenance (different concept but related to variants)
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Program requires selection parameters to be saved in a variant before execution.
  
  
  Solution
  Save the selection parameters as a variant and use that variant to run the program/report.
  
  
  Related
  Variants, background job scheduling, authorization to create/use variants.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with the exact steps to save a variant or how to use it in your specific report or transaction, please provide the program or transaction code, and I can guide you further.