How To Fix WZ197 - Reason for alternative: &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

• Message number: 197

• Message text: Reason for alternative: &

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WZ197 - Reason for alternative: & ?

  SAP Message: WZ197
  
  Text: Reason for alternative: &
  
  Explanation
  The message WZ197 typically appears in the context of payment transactions or alternative payment methods in SAP, especially within modules like FI (Financial Accounting) or SD (Sales and Distribution). The message indicates that a reason code for an alternative payment or alternative process is required but missing or not properly maintained.
  The placeholder & in the message is replaced at runtime by the specific reason code or additional information.
  
  Cause
  
  The system expects a reason code or explanation when an alternative payment method or alternative process is selected.
  This reason code is either not entered, not maintained, or not valid in the current context.
  It can occur during payment processing, invoice posting, or when using alternative payment terms or methods.
  Sometimes, it happens if the configuration for alternative payment reasons is incomplete or missing.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the Reason Code Entry:
  
  When prompted, enter a valid reason code for the alternative payment or process.
  Ensure that the reason code is relevant and correctly maintained.
  
  
  
  Maintain Reason Codes in Customizing:
  
  Go to SPRO ? Financial Accounting ? Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable ? Business Transactions ? Outgoing Payments ? Payment Methods / Reason Codes (path may vary depending on SAP version).
  Verify that the reason codes for alternative payments are properly defined and active.
  
  
  
  Review the Payment or Document Data:
  
  Check the payment document or invoice for missing or incorrect reason codes.
  Correct the data entry if necessary.
  
  
  
  Consult the Application Log or Detailed Error:
  
  Sometimes, additional details are available in the application log (transaction SLG1) or in the detailed error message.
  This can help identify the exact missing or incorrect reason.
  
  
  
  User Training:
  
  Ensure that users understand when and how to enter reason codes for alternative payments.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  F110 (Automatic Payment Transactions)  
  FBZP (Payment Program Configuration)  
  F-28 (Post Incoming Payments)  
  F-53 (Post Outgoing Payments)
  
  
  
  Configuration Paths:  
  
  SPRO ? Financial Accounting ? Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable ? Outgoing Payments ? Payment Methods  
  SPRO ? Financial Accounting ? Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable ? Business Transactions ? Payment Program ? Reason Codes
  
  
  
  Notes and Documentation:  
  
  SAP Notes related to payment program and reason codes may provide additional insights.
  Check SAP Help Portal for documentation on payment program and alternative payment reasons.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or scenario where the error occurs, I can help with more specific guidance.