How To Fix WS591 - Sorting does not support item fields

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 591

• Message text: Sorting does not support item fields

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS591 - Sorting does not support item fields ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS591 - Sorting does not support item fields
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to apply sorting on item-level fields in a context where sorting is only allowed on header-level fields. In SAP, certain sorting operations (especially in sales documents, delivery documents, or billing documents) are restricted to header fields because the sorting logic is designed to work at the header level, not at the item detail level.
  For example, if you attempt to sort a list or output by an item field (like material number, item category, or item quantity) in a function or report that only supports sorting by header fields (like document date, customer, or sales organization), SAP will raise this error.
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  During output determination or form printing where sorting criteria are defined.
  In sales order processing or delivery processing when defining sorting rules.
  In custom reports or user exits/enhancements where sorting is programmatically applied.
  When configuring or using sorting in message determination or output control.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Sorting Criteria:
  
  Review the sorting criteria you have defined.
  Ensure that sorting is only applied on header fields.
  Remove or replace any item-level fields from the sorting criteria.
  
  
  
  Adjust Output or Report Logic:
  
  If sorting by item fields is necessary, consider redesigning the logic to handle sorting at the item level separately.
  For example, sort items within each header after sorting headers by header fields.
  
  
  
  Use Appropriate Fields:
  
  Use fields from the header structure (e.g., VBAK for sales documents) for sorting.
  Avoid fields from item structures (e.g., VBAP for sales order items) in sorting definitions.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  In output determination or message control, verify the sorting settings.
  Adjust the sorting sequence in the output type or message determination procedure.
  
  
  
  Custom Development:
  
  If you have custom code applying sorting, modify it to apply sorting only on header fields or handle item-level sorting separately.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Message Class: WS (Sales and Distribution)
  Transaction Codes: VA01/VA02 (Sales Order), VL01N/VL02N (Delivery), VF01/VF02 (Billing)
  Tables:
  
  VBAK (Sales Document: Header Data)
  VBAP (Sales Document: Item Data)
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP OSS notes for any updates or patches related to output sorting issues.
  SAP Help Portal: Refer to documentation on output determination and sorting rules in SD module.
  
  
  Summary:
  WS591 error means you are trying to sort by item fields in a context that only supports sorting by header fields. The fix is to revise your sorting criteria to use only header-level fields or adjust your logic to handle item-level sorting separately.
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or scenario where this error occurs, I can help with more specific guidance.