How To Fix WS674 - Mandate reference is allowed only in connection with a payer

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 674

• Message text: Mandate reference is allowed only in connection with a payer

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS674 - Mandate reference is allowed only in connection with a payer ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WS674: "Mandate reference is allowed only in connection with a payer":
  
  Error Message:
  WS674 - Mandate reference is allowed only in connection with a payer
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to enter or process a mandate reference in a payment or direct debit transaction without specifying a payer (debtor) in the system. 
  In SAP, a mandate reference is linked to a specific payer (customer or debtor) because it represents the authorization for direct debit transactions. If the system detects a mandate reference but no associated payer is provided, it raises this error.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During the creation or processing of direct debit transactions (e.g., in FI-CA, FI-AR, or payment programs).
  When entering or importing payment data where a mandate reference is given but the payer field is empty or missing.
  In SEPA direct debit processing, where mandate references are mandatory and must be linked to a valid payer.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Ensure Payer is Specified:
  
  Always enter the payer (customer or debtor) when you provide a mandate reference.
  Check the transaction or data input screen to confirm that the payer field is filled correctly.
  
  
  
  Check Data Mapping/Import Files:
  
  If you are importing payment data (e.g., via IDoc, flat files, or interfaces), verify that the payer information is correctly mapped and populated.
  Mandate reference without payer data is invalid.
  
  
  
  Review Master Data:
  
  Confirm that the payer exists in the system and is correctly maintained.
  The mandate reference should be assigned to the payer in the customer/vendor master or contract accounts.
  
  
  
  Adjust Program or Custom Logic:
  
  If you have custom programs or enhancements handling payment data, ensure they do not allow mandate references without payer information.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction Codes:
  
  Use standard SAP transactions for direct debit processing (e.g., F110, F111, or specific FI-CA transactions) that enforce these validations.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Mandate Reference: A unique identifier for a direct debit mandate, authorizing the creditor to collect payments from the debtor's bank account.
  Payer: The customer or debtor who authorizes the direct debit.
  SEPA Direct Debit: European payment scheme requiring mandate references linked to payers.
  SAP Modules Involved: FI (Financial Accounting), FI-CA (Contract Accounts Receivable and Payable), and sometimes SD (Sales and Distribution) or MM (Materials Management) if integrated.
  Transaction Codes: F110 (Automatic Payment Transactions), F111 (Payment Program for Payment Requests), FPAYH (Payment Medium Workbench), etc.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Error
  Mandate reference provided without specifying a payer.
  
  
  Cause
  Mandate reference must be linked to a valid payer; missing payer causes the error.
  
  
  Solution
  Ensure payer data is entered and correctly linked to the mandate reference.
  
  
  Related Info
  Applies mainly to direct debit processing, especially SEPA mandates in FI and FI-CA modules.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with a specific transaction or scenario, please provide more details!