How To Fix WS686 - Operation not permitted (document category &); use program RSNAST00

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 686

• Message text: Operation not permitted (document category &); use program RSNAST00

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS686 - Operation not permitted (document category &); use program RSNAST00 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WS686: Operation not permitted (document category &); use program RSNAST00:
  
  Error Message
  WS686: Operation not permitted (document category &); use program RSNAST00
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when you try to process or output a message (such as a print, email, or fax) for a document category that is not allowed to be processed directly via the current transaction or program. The system is indicating that the operation you are attempting is not permitted for the specific document category involved.
  In SAP, message processing for certain document categories (like output messages for sales documents, purchase orders, delivery notes, billing documents, etc.) is controlled and should be handled via the standard message processing program RSNAST00.
  The error typically arises when:
  
  You try to manually process or reprocess output messages for a document category that requires processing through the standard batch program RSNAST00.
  You attempt to use a transaction or function that does not support direct processing of the message for that document category.
  The document category is not configured for direct output processing in the current context.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Use Program RSNAST00 for Output Processing
  The standard SAP program RSNAST00 is designed to process output messages for various document categories in batch mode. You should run this program to process the output messages instead of trying to process them manually or via unsupported transactions.
  
  Go to transaction SA38 or SE38.
  Enter program name: RSNAST00.
  Execute the program.
  Enter the selection criteria (e.g., message type, output device, date range).
  Execute to process the output messages.
  
  
  
  Check Message Configuration
  
  Verify the message type and document category configuration in customizing (SPRO).
  Ensure that the output message is correctly configured for the document type and that the processing routines are properly assigned.
  
  
  
  Check Authorization
  
  Sometimes, this error can also be caused by insufficient authorizations.
  Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to process output messages for the document category.
  
  
  
  Review Document Category
  
  Identify the document category causing the error (the placeholder "&" in the message will be replaced by the actual category in your system).
  Check if this document category is supported for direct output processing or if it must be processed via RSNAST00.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Program RSNAST00: This is the standard SAP program for processing output messages (print, email, fax) in batch mode.
  Transaction NACE: Used to configure output types and message determination for various application areas (sales, purchasing, billing, etc.).
  Message Control: SAP uses message control to determine how and when output messages are processed.
  Authorization Objects: Check authorization objects related to output processing, such as S_NAST (Message Output).
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS686: Operation not permitted (document category &); use program RSNAST00
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to process output message for a document category not allowed in current context
  
  
  Solution
  Use program RSNAST00 to process output messages; check message configuration and authorizations
  
  
  Related Info
  Transaction NACE, program RSNAST00, message control, authorization object S_NAST
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact document category or context, I can help you with more specific guidance.