How To Fix WS837 - Reversal documents cannot be completed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 837

• Message text: Reversal documents cannot be completed

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 WS837 - Reversal documents cannot be completed ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WS837: "Reversal documents cannot be completed":
  
  Error Message: WS837 - Reversal documents cannot be completed
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs when you try to complete (post or finalize) a reversal document in SAP, but the system does not allow it because reversal documents are not meant to be completed in the same way as original documents.
  In SAP, reversal documents are created to negate or cancel the effect of an original document (e.g., invoice, goods receipt). However, reversal documents themselves are not subject to further reversal or completion steps. The system restricts certain actions on reversal documents to maintain data integrity.
  Common causes include:
  
  Attempting to post or complete a reversal document manually.
  Trying to perform an action that is only valid for original documents on a reversal document.
  Configuration or process errors where reversal documents are incorrectly handled.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Document Type:
  
  Verify that the document you are working with is indeed a reversal document.
  Reversal documents usually have specific document types (e.g., RE for reversal in FI).
  
  
  
  Avoid Completing Reversal Documents:
  
  Understand that reversal documents are automatically posted and do not require a separate completion step.
  Do not try to manually complete or post reversal documents.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction:
  
  Use the standard SAP transactions for reversal (e.g., FB08 for reversing FI documents, MR8M for reversing material documents).
  These transactions handle reversal documents correctly.
  
  
  
  Check Process Flow:
  
  Ensure that the reversal process is followed as per SAP best practices.
  If you are trying to reverse a document, reverse the original document rather than trying to complete the reversal document.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any SAP Notes related to WS837 for your SAP version.
  Sometimes, patches or updates fix issues related to document processing.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure you have the correct authorizations to perform reversal and posting actions.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  FB08 - Reverse FI Document
  MR8M - Cancel Invoice Document
  MBST - Cancel Material Document
  
  
  
  Document Types:
  
  Reversal documents have specific document types and are system-generated to negate original postings.
  
  
  
  SAP Help:
  
  Refer to SAP Help Portal for document reversal processes.
  SAP Community forums often discuss similar issues.
  
  
  
  Best Practice:
  
  Always reverse the original document using the appropriate transaction.
  Do not attempt to manually complete or post reversal documents.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or scenario where this error occurs, I can help with more specific guidance.