How To Fix WW085 - Material type & cannot be used for reference material

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WW - Material group master maintenance

• Message number: 085

• Message text: Material type & cannot be used for reference material

What causes this issue?

The material type is reserved for value-only materials.

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 new material type.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WW085 - Material type & cannot be used for reference material ?

  The SAP error message WW085 indicates that the material type specified cannot be used for a reference material. This typically occurs when you are trying to create or modify a material in SAP and the system is enforcing certain rules regarding material types.
  Cause:
  
  Material Type Restrictions: The material type you are trying to use is not configured to allow reference materials. In SAP, different material types have different characteristics and allowed functionalities. Some material types are specifically designated for certain uses and may not support being a reference material.
  Configuration Settings: The configuration settings in the Material Master may restrict certain material types from being used as reference materials.
  User Authorization: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to create or modify materials of certain types.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Material Type Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in SAP (Transaction Code: SPRO).
  Navigate to Logistics - General > Material Master > Basic Settings > Material Types.
  Check the settings for the material type you are trying to use and ensure that it is allowed to be used as a reference material.
  
  
  
  Use a Different Material Type:
  
  If the current material type cannot be used as a reference material, consider using a different material type that is configured to allow this functionality.
  
  
  
  Review User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to create or modify materials of the specified type. This can be checked with your SAP security team.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team for specific details regarding the material type and its allowed functionalities.
  
  
  
  Error Message Analysis:
  
  If you have access to transaction codes like SE91 (Message Class) or SE80 (Object Navigator), you can look up the error message WW085 for more details on its cause and possible solutions.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Material Master: The Material Master in SAP is a central repository of information about materials that a company procures, produces, and sells. Each material is assigned a material type that determines its attributes and functionalities.
  Material Types: Common material types include raw materials, finished goods, semi-finished goods, trading goods, etc. Each type has specific settings that dictate how it can be used within the system.
  Reference Material: A reference material is typically used as a template or standard for creating other materials, allowing for consistency in data entry and management.
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.