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How To Fix WS885 - Enter the posting key for special general ledger indicator &


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

  • Message number: 885

  • Message text: Enter the posting key for special general ledger indicator &

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  • Self-Explanatory Message

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    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.

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  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS885 - Enter the posting key for special general ledger indicator & ?

    SAP Error Message:
    WS885 - Enter the posting key for special general ledger indicator &


    Cause:

    This error occurs during document posting in Financial Accounting (FI) when you are trying to post a transaction involving a Special G/L indicator (such as down payments, guarantees, bills of exchange, etc.), but the system does not find a valid posting key assigned to that special G/L indicator for the relevant account type.

    In other words, the system expects a posting key to be defined for the special G/L indicator you are using, but it is missing or not maintained in the configuration.


    Explanation:

    • Special G/L transactions are used to handle special business transactions like down payments, bills of exchange, guarantees, etc.
    • Each special G/L indicator must be linked to a posting key that controls the type of posting (debit/credit, field status, etc.).
    • If the posting key is not maintained for the special G/L indicator and account type combination, SAP cannot determine how to post the line item, hence the error.

    Solution:

    1. Check the Special G/L Indicator and Posting Key Configuration:

      • Go to transaction code OBYR (or navigate via IMG):

        SPRO -> Financial Accounting -> Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable -> Special G/L Transactions -> Define Posting Keys for Special G/L Transactions
      • Here, you will find the assignment of posting keys to special G/L indicators for different account types (Customer, Vendor, G/L accounts).

    2. Maintain the Posting Key:

      • Identify the special G/L indicator causing the error (the message will show it as &).
      • Assign the correct posting key for the relevant account type.
      • Save the configuration.
    3. Verify Posting Key Settings:

      • Ensure the posting key assigned allows the correct debit/credit posting.
      • Check field status and other controls if necessary.
    4. Test the Posting Again:

      • After maintaining the posting key, try posting the document again.
      • The error should no longer appear.

    Additional Information:

    • Special G/L indicators are used to differentiate special transactions from normal postings.
    • Common special G/L indicators include:
      • A for down payments
      • B for bills of exchange
      • K for guarantees
    • Posting keys control the line item behavior, such as whether the line is debit or credit, whether the amount is entered, and field status.

    Summary:

    Aspect Details
    Error Message WS885 - Enter the posting key for special general ledger indicator &
    Cause Missing posting key assignment for the special G/L indicator and account type
    Solution Maintain posting key for the special G/L indicator in transaction OBYR
    Transaction to fix OBYR (Define Posting Keys for Special G/L Transactions)
    Related Notes Check SAP Notes or documentation if custom special G/L indicators are used

    If you need help with the exact steps in your SAP system or further troubleshooting, please provide the special G/L indicator and account type involved.

    • Do you have any question about this error?


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