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

Close

How To Fix WSTI004 - You are not authorized to process physical inventories


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WSTI - Messages about Store Workbench, Physical Inventory

  • Message number: 004

  • Message text: You are not authorized to process physical inventories

  • Show details Hide details


  • 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 WSTI004 - You are not authorized to process physical inventories ?

    SAP Error Message:
    WSTI004 - You are not authorized to process physical inventories


    Cause:

    This error occurs because the user attempting to process physical inventory documents does not have the necessary authorizations in SAP. Specifically, the user lacks the required authorization objects or roles that permit them to create, change, or post physical inventory documents.


    Explanation:

    • Physical inventory processing in SAP involves creating and managing inventory count documents.
    • SAP controls access to these functions via authorization objects.
    • If the user’s assigned roles do not include the necessary authorizations, the system will prevent them from performing these actions and display the WSTI004 message.

    Common Authorization Objects Involved:

    • M_MSEG_WMB – Goods Movement: Physical Inventory
    • M_MSEG_WMB with activity values like Create (01), Change (02), Display (03), Post (06)
    • M_INVENT – Inventory Management: Physical Inventory
    • M_LIFNR – Vendor Master (if relevant)
    • M_MATE_WRK – Material Master: Plant Data

    Solution:

    1. Check User Authorizations:

      • Use transaction SU53 immediately after the error occurs to see which authorization check failed.
      • Alternatively, use transaction ST01 (Authorization Trace) to trace the authorization checks.
    2. Assign Correct Roles/Profiles:

      • Identify the roles that contain the necessary authorization objects for physical inventory processing.
      • Assign these roles to the user via transaction PFCG (Role Maintenance).
      • Ensure the roles include the correct activity values (e.g., Create, Change, Post) for the relevant authorization objects.
    3. Verify Authorization Object Values:

      • Check that the authorization objects are maintained with the correct plant, storage location, movement type, and other relevant fields matching the user’s scope of work.
    4. Test After Changes:

      • After updating roles/authorizations, have the user log off and log back in.
      • Retry the physical inventory processing to confirm the issue is resolved.

    Additional Information:

    • Physical inventory processing transactions include MI01 (Create Physical Inventory Document), MI04 (Enter Inventory Count), MI07 (Post Inventory Differences).
    • Authorization issues are common when users are newly assigned or when organizational changes occur.
    • Always follow your company’s security policies when assigning authorizations to avoid giving excessive permissions.

    Summary:

    Aspect Details
    Error Message WSTI004 - You are not authorized to process physical inventories
    Cause Missing or insufficient authorizations for physical inventory processing
    Solution Assign correct roles/authorization objects with required activity values
    Key Transactions SU53, ST01, PFCG, MI01, MI04, MI07
    Authorization Objects M_MSEG_WMB, M_INVENT, M_MATE_WRK

    If you need help identifying the exact missing authorization, running SU53 right after the error is the best first step.

    • 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:
  • WSTI003 Store is not valid
    Self-Explanatory Message Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of...

  • WSTI002 Please enter sales value
    Self-Explanatory Message Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of...

  • WSTI005 Entry & is not numerical
    Self-Explanatory Message Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of...

  • WSTI006 Date & is not in correct format
    Self-Explanatory Message Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of...

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