How To Fix WSTRN048 - Enter a generic article

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSTRN - Message for Prepack Creation and Planning Dialog

• Message number: 048

• Message text: Enter a generic article

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSTRN048 - Enter a generic article ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WSTRN048 - Enter a generic article
  
  Cause:
  The error message WSTRN048 typically occurs in SAP Retail or SAP IS-Retail environments during sales order processing or inventory management when the system expects a generic article (a material master record that represents a group or category of articles rather than a specific article) but none has been entered.
  This usually happens in scenarios where:
  
  The system is configured to require a generic article for certain transactions (e.g., for assortment management, promotions, or when working with article hierarchies).
  The user tries to process a transaction without specifying the generic article, or the generic article is missing or incorrectly maintained.
  The generic article is mandatory for the business process but has not been assigned or entered.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP Retail, a generic article is used to represent a group of articles sharing common characteristics. It is often used in assortment planning, promotions, or when the system needs to handle articles at a group level rather than individual articles.
  The message WSTRN048 prompts the user to enter such a generic article because the system cannot proceed without it.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Enter the Generic Article:
  
  When prompted by the message, enter the appropriate generic article number in the relevant field.
  Ensure that the generic article corresponds to the article group or assortment you are working with.
  
  
  
  Check Article Master Data:
  
  Verify that the generic article exists in the system.
  Use transaction MM03 (Display Material) to check the generic article master data.
  Ensure that the generic article is correctly maintained and active.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings related to generic articles in SAP Retail.
  Verify if the generic article is mandatory for the transaction type or business process you are executing.
  Consult with your SAP Retail functional consultant to understand the business rules requiring the generic article.
  
  
  
  Maintain Article Hierarchies or Assortments:
  
  If the error occurs during assortment or promotion processing, ensure that the generic article is properly assigned in the assortment or promotion master data.
  
  
  
  User Training:
  
  Train users to understand when and how to enter generic articles during transaction processing.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  MM03 - Display Material (to check generic article master data)
  WSD1 - Article Hierarchy Maintenance (for generic articles)
  WSD2 - Assortment Maintenance
  VA01 - Create Sales Order (where generic article might be required)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to generic articles and WSTRN messages in SAP Service Marketplace.
  Review SAP Retail documentation on article master data and assortment management.
  
  
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Promotions requiring generic articles.
  Assortment planning and management.
  Sales order processing with article hierarchies.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Missing or not entered generic article where required.
  Solution: Enter the correct generic article; verify master data and configuration.
  Additional: Check article hierarchies, assortment assignments, and user training.
  
  If the problem persists after these steps, consider involving your SAP Retail functional consultant or SAP support for deeper analysis.