Stop googling SAP errors. Use our Free Essentials plan instead - no credit card needed. Start Now

Close

How To Fix WS871 - No invoicing party or identification object were entered


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

  • Message number: 871

  • Message text: No invoicing party or identification object were entered

  • Show details Hide details
  • What causes this issue?

    For the settlement document type &V1&, settings have been made so that
    the invoicing party is not determined directly but rather by means of an
    identification object. However, neither an identification object nor an
    invoicing party were transferred.

    The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

    How to fix this error?

    Procedure for System Administrators


    Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS871 - No invoicing party or identification object were entered ?

    Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WS871: No invoicing party or identification object were entered:


    Error Message

    WS871: No invoicing party or identification object were entered


    Cause

    This error occurs when you try to create or process a billing document (invoice) in SAP, but the system cannot find or identify the invoicing party or the identification object required for billing. Essentially, the system expects either:

    • An invoicing party (the business partner who will receive the invoice), or
    • An identification object (such as a contract, order, or other reference object that links to billing data)

    If neither is provided or correctly maintained, the system cannot proceed with invoicing and throws this error.

    Common scenarios causing this error include:

    • Missing or incomplete master data for the customer or business partner.
    • Missing assignment of invoicing party in the sales document or contract.
    • Incorrect or missing reference to the identification object in the billing document.
    • Customizing issues where the system expects an invoicing party or identification object but none is maintained.

    Solution

    1. Check the Sales Document or Contract:

      • Verify that the invoicing party is correctly maintained in the sales order or contract.
      • In VA01/VA02 (Sales Order), check the Partner Functions tab and ensure the invoicing party (usually partner function 'RI' or 'IV') is assigned.
      • If the invoicing party is missing, add the correct business partner.
    2. Check the Billing Document:

      • When creating the billing document (VF01), ensure that the reference to the sales document or contract is correct.
      • Make sure the billing document has a valid link to the invoicing party or identification object.
    3. Master Data Verification:

      • Check the customer master (XD03/VD03) to ensure the invoicing party is properly maintained.
      • Verify that the business partner roles and partner functions are correctly assigned.
    4. Identification Object:

      • If billing is based on an identification object (e.g., contract account, service order), ensure that this object is correctly referenced and maintained.
      • Check the customizing settings for billing relevance of the identification object.
    5. Customizing Settings:

      • Review the billing configuration in SPRO under Sales and Distribution ? Billing ? Billing Documents ? Maintain Billing Types.
      • Check if the billing type requires an invoicing party or identification object and adjust if necessary.
    6. Debugging / Logs:

      • If the above steps do not resolve the issue, use transaction SE91 to look up the message class WS8 and message number 71 for more details.
      • Debug the billing document creation to see where the system expects the invoicing party or identification object.

    Related Information

    • Transaction Codes:

      • VA01 / VA02 / VA03 — Sales Order Processing
      • VF01 / VF02 / VF03 — Billing Document Processing
      • XD03 / VD03 — Customer Master Display
      • BP — Business Partner Maintenance (in newer SAP systems)
      • SE91 — Message Maintenance
    • SAP Notes:

      • Check SAP Notes related to billing and invoicing party issues for your specific SAP version.
      • Example SAP Note: 1234567 (hypothetical) — "Error WS871 when creating billing document due to missing invoicing party"
    • Partner Functions:

      • Common partner functions related to invoicing:
        • 'IV' — Invoice Recipient
        • 'RI' — Invoicing Party
        • 'AG' — Sold-to Party (may also be invoicing party in some cases)
    • Identification Object Examples:

      • Contract number
      • Service order number
      • Sales order number

    Summary

    Aspect Details
    Cause Missing invoicing party or identification object in sales/billing document
    Solution Maintain invoicing party in sales document or billing document; verify master data
    Where to Check Sales order partner functions, billing document references, customer master data
    Transactions VA01/VA02, VF01, XD03, BP
    Additional Help SAP Notes, debugging billing document creation, checking customizing for billing types

    If you provide more context (e.g., transaction used, document type), I can help with more specific guidance!

    • Do you have any question about this error?


      Upgrade now to chat with this error.


Instant HelpGet instant SAP help. Sign up for our Free Essentials Plan.


Related SAP Error Messages

Click the links below to see the following related messages:

Click on this link to search all SAP messages.


Rating
The AI Support Assistant is great. It provides comprehensive assistance even on the most difficult issues. I highly recommend this service.
Rate 1
John Jordan
SAP Consultant & Author