How To Fix WS656 - Partner &1 (&2) deviates from that in header &3, partner will be adjusted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 656

• Message text: Partner &1 (&2) deviates from that in header &3, partner will be adjusted

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS656 - Partner &1 (&2) deviates from that in header &3, partner will be adjusted ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation of the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WS656 Partner &1 (&2) deviates from that in header &3, partner will be adjusted
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This message occurs during document processing (e.g., sales order, delivery, billing) when the partner function specified at the item level (&1 = partner function, &2 = partner number) differs from the partner specified in the document header (&3 = partner function in header). SAP detects this inconsistency and automatically adjusts the item partner to match the header partner.
  In other words:
  
  The partner assigned to an item is different from the partner assigned in the document header for the same partner function. SAP corrects this by overwriting the item partner with the header partner.
  
  Typical Causes:
  
  Manual entry or data migration where item partners are entered differently from header partners.
  Custom enhancements or user exits that incorrectly assign partners at item level.
  Inconsistent master data or partner determination configuration.
  Data inconsistencies during document copying or reference.
  
  
  Impact:
  
  The system automatically adjusts the item partner to maintain consistency.
  Usually, this is an informational message (warning/info), not an error that stops processing.
  However, it may indicate underlying data or configuration issues that should be reviewed.
  
  
  Solution / How to Fix:
  
  
  Check Partner Determination Configuration:
  
  Verify that partner determination procedures are correctly set up for both header and item levels. Ensure that the same partner functions are maintained consistently.
  
  
  Review Master Data:
  
  Check the customer/vendor master data to ensure partners are correctly maintained.
  
  
  Analyze Document Data Entry:
  
  When creating or changing documents, ensure that partners at header and item levels are consistent or intentionally different.
  
  
  Check Custom Code / User Exits:
  
  If there are enhancements or user exits modifying partner data, review them for logic that might cause inconsistencies.
  
  
  Data Correction:
  
  If this message appears due to data migration or incorrect entries, correct the partner data in the document or master data.
  
  
  Accept the Adjustment:
  
  If the automatic adjustment is acceptable and does not cause business issues, this message can be treated as informational.
  
  
  
  Related Notes / References:
  
  SAP Note 123456 (example) — Partner determination inconsistencies.
  SAP Help Portal: Partner Determination in Sales and Distribution.
  Transaction codes to check partner data:  
  
  VA03 (Display Sales Order)  
  VD03 (Display Customer Master)  
  WE20 (Partner Profiles in IDoc processing)  
  
  
  Debugging partner determination routines (user exits like USEREXIT_MOVE_FIELD_TO_VBAP).
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Item partner differs from header partner for the same partner function.
  System Reaction: Automatically adjusts item partner to header partner.
  Solution: Check and correct partner determination setup, master data, and custom code to ensure consistency.
  
  
  If you want, I can help you with specific steps to check partner determination or debug the issue further.