How To Fix WS878 - No supplier article number was entered

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 878

• Message text: No supplier article number was entered

What causes this issue?

For the settlement document type, settings were made so that the
material is not determined directly but rather via the supplier's
material number. However, no supplier material number was transferred.

System Response

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?

Enter a supplier material number or change the setting of the settlement
document type.

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 WS878 - No supplier article number was entered ?

  Certainly! Here's detailed information about the SAP error message WS878: "No supplier article number was entered":
  
  Error Message
  WS878 - No supplier article number was entered
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when you are trying to process or save a purchasing document (such as a purchase order, scheduling agreement, or info record) that requires a supplier article number (also known as the vendor's material number or external material number), but this field has been left empty.
  The supplier article number is often mandatory in scenarios where the vendor's material number is used for identification or cross-referencing. This is common in industries or business processes where the vendor's material number is critical for ordering or logistics.
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  When creating or changing a purchase order or info record that requires the vendor's material number.
  When the material master or purchasing info record is configured to require the supplier article number.
  When the system or business process mandates the entry of the vendor's material number for certain materials or vendors.
  During message processing or data transfer where the supplier article number is mandatory.
  
  
  Solution / How to fix it
  
  
  Enter the Supplier Article Number:
  
  Go to the relevant purchasing document (e.g., Purchase Order, Info Record).
  Navigate to the item details.
  Enter the supplier article number (vendor's material number) in the appropriate field (usually found in the purchasing data tab or vendor data section).
  
  
  
  Check Material Master / Info Record Settings:
  
  Verify if the material master or info record requires the supplier article number.
  Use transaction ME11 (Create Purchasing Info Record) or ME12 (Change Purchasing Info Record) to maintain the vendor's material number.
  If the supplier article number is mandatory due to configuration, ensure it is maintained properly.
  
  
  
  Review Customizing / Configuration:
  
  Check if the field is set as mandatory in the system.
  In some cases, the requirement for the supplier article number is controlled via field selection groups or user exits/enhancements.
  Consult with your SAP MM consultant or check configuration in SPRO under:
  
  Materials Management ? Purchasing ? Info Record ? Define Field Selection for Purchasing Info Record
  Materials Management ? Purchasing ? Purchase Order ? Define Field Selection for Purchase Order
  
  
  
  
  
  If Supplier Article Number is Not Required:
  
  If your business process does not require the supplier article number, and the system is incorrectly enforcing it, you may need to adjust the field selection or remove any custom validation/enhancement that enforces this check.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information
  
  Supplier Article Number / Vendor Material Number is used to map your internal material number to the vendor's material number.
  It helps in communication with the vendor, especially in EDI scenarios or when vendors use their own numbering system.
  The field is usually found in the Purchasing Info Record (transaction ME11/ME12) under the "Vendor material number" field.
  This error is a standard SAP message and is part of the validation checks during document processing.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error Message
  WS878 - No supplier article number was entered
  
  
  Cause
  Supplier article number (vendor material number) is missing but required
  
  
  Solution
  Enter the supplier article number in the purchasing document or info record
  
  
  Configuration
  Check field selection and mandatory settings in purchasing info record and purchase order
  
  
  Transactions
  ME11, ME12 (Info Record maintenance), ME21N/ME22N (Purchase Order)
  
  
  
  
  If you need help locating the field or adjusting configuration, please provide the transaction or process where the error occurs, and I can guide you further.