How To Fix WW018 - Material group & already exists as MG hierarchy level

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WW - Material group master maintenance

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Material group & already exists as MG hierarchy level

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Enter a key term that is not already being used to describe a material
group, a characteristics profile or a generic material.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WW018 - Material group & already exists as MG hierarchy level ?

  The SAP error message WW018 indicates that there is an issue with the material group (MG) hierarchy in the system. Specifically, it means that the material group you are trying to create or modify already exists at a higher level in the material group hierarchy. This can occur when you attempt to create a new material group that has the same name or identifier as an existing one, or when you try to assign a material group to a hierarchy level that is already occupied.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Material Group: You are trying to create a material group that already exists in the system.
  Hierarchy Conflict: The material group you are trying to assign is already part of a different hierarchy level.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be a misconfiguration in the material group hierarchy settings.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Material Groups: 
  
  Use transaction code OMD1 or OMD2 to view the existing material groups and their hierarchy. Ensure that the material group you are trying to create does not already exist.
  
  
  
  Modify Existing Material Group: 
  
  If the material group already exists and you need to make changes, consider modifying the existing group instead of creating a new one.
  
  
  
  Review Hierarchy Levels: 
  
  Check the hierarchy levels to ensure that you are not trying to assign a material group to a level that is already occupied. You can do this by navigating to the material group hierarchy settings.
  
  
  
  Delete or Deactivate Conflicting Groups: 
  
  If you find that there are conflicting material groups that are no longer needed, you may consider deleting or deactivating them, but ensure that this does not affect other processes in your SAP system.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator for specific guidelines on managing material groups and hierarchies.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as OMD1 (Maintain Material Group) and OMD2 (Display Material Group).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to material group management.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or modify material groups in the system.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in material management.