How To Fix WS816 - Unable to determine a settlement doc list category for doc category &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 816

• Message text: Unable to determine a settlement doc list category for doc category &1

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 WS816 - Unable to determine a settlement doc list category for doc category &1 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WS816: "Unable to determine a settlement doc list category for doc category &1":
  
  Error Message:
  WS816 - Unable to determine a settlement doc list category for doc category &1
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the settlement process in SAP (typically in Controlling - CO module) when the system tries to determine the settlement document list category but fails because the document category (passed as parameter &1) does not have a corresponding settlement document list category defined in the system.
  In other words, the system is trying to create or process a settlement document list but cannot find the mapping between the document category of the original document and the settlement document list category.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During settlement of cost objects (e.g., cost centers, internal orders, WBS elements).
  When the system posts settlement documents and tries to generate a settlement document list.
  If the configuration for document categories and their settlement document list categories is incomplete or missing.
  
  
  Technical Background:
  
  SAP uses document categories (e.g., 'SA' for FI documents, 'CO' for CO documents) to classify accounting documents.
  For settlement, SAP needs to know which document list category to assign to the settlement document list.
  This mapping is maintained in customizing.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Document Category:
  
  Identify the document category causing the problem (the value of &1 in the error message).
  You can find this in the settlement log or by debugging.
  
  
  
  Maintain Settlement Document List Category:
  
  Go to SAP Customizing Implementation Guide (IMG):
  SPRO -> Controlling -> Internal Orders -> Settle Internal Orders -> Define Document List Categories
  
  Or more generally:
  SPRO -> Controlling -> General Controlling -> Document -> Define Document List Categories
  
  Here, ensure that the document category in question has a corresponding settlement document list category assigned.
  
  
  
  Assign Document Categories to Settlement Document List Categories:
  
  If missing, create or assign the appropriate settlement document list category for the document category.
  This ensures the system can determine the correct document list category during settlement.
  
  
  
  Check Settlement Profile:
  
  Sometimes, the settlement profile used for the cost object might have incorrect or incomplete settings.
  Verify the settlement profile settings in:
  SPRO -> Controlling -> Internal Orders -> Settle Internal Orders -> Maintain Settlement Profiles
  
  Ensure the profile is correctly configured to handle the document categories involved.
  
  
  
  Re-run the Settlement:
  
  After correcting the configuration, re-run the settlement process.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Notes:
  
  This error is configuration-related and does not usually indicate a problem with master data or transactional data.
  It is important to maintain consistent and complete customizing settings for document categories and settlement document list categories.
  If you have custom document categories (Z-categories), ensure they are also properly mapped.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS816 - Unable to determine a settlement doc list category for doc category &1
  
  
  Cause
  Missing or incorrect mapping between document category and settlement document list category
  
  
  Solution
  Maintain the settlement document list category for the document category in customizing
  
  
  Transaction/Path
  SPRO -> Controlling -> General Controlling -> Document -> Define Document List Categories
  
  
  Related Areas
  Settlement profiles, internal order settlement, CO document processing
  
  
  
  
  If you need, I can also provide the exact IMG path or transaction codes to check the settings or help with debugging steps.