1. How to Delete a Service Entry Sheet (SES) in ML81N Without Errors
Common Error:
When trying to delete a Service Entry Sheet, you may encounter the following error:- Error Message: Total takeoff quantity for (Service Entry Short Text) is getting < 0. Processing not possible.
- Message Code: BOS01182
Steps to Delete a Service Entry Sheet (SES) Properly:
Step 1: Access the transaction code ML81N.Step 2: Enter the specific SES number you wish to delete.
Step 3: Click on the Change button located at the header level.
Step 4: Click on Revoke Acceptance and then hit Save.
Step 5: After saving, click the Change button again.
Step 6: You will now see the Deletion Flag Indicator (icon resembling a dustbin).
Step 7: Set the deletion flag by clicking on the icon and save your changes.
Alternate Method: Cancelling the SES
If deletion is not feasible, you can cancel the SES instead:- Go to ML81N.
- Enter your SES number.
- Switch to Change Mode.
- Navigate to:
- Then go to:
Menu Path → Service Entry → Set Status → Cancel Release.
Menu Path → Entry Sheet → Delete.
2. Saving Service Entry Sheets (SES) with Zero Quantities in ML81N
Problem:
When creating a service entry sheet, SAP prevents saving any service line with a zero quantity. If you attempt to save, you’ll encounter:- Error Message: SE 319 - "Please enter a quantity."
- Trigger Point: Include program LMLSPF3A.
Understanding the SAP Notes Involved:
To address or modify this behavior, SAP provides two key notes:- Note 1133175: ML81N: Entry sheets can be saved with zero quantity – Created to prevent the 'Buffer table not up to date' error (SE001) when handling zero quantities.
- Note 1396925: ML81N: Entry sheets to be saved with zero quantity – Allows companies to bypass the restriction if their business processes require it.
Key Points to Remember:
- Without Modifications: You cannot save a service line with zero quantity due to system design.
- With Modifications (Note 1396925 Implemented): You can save SES with zero quantities but still cannot release or accept them if their total value is zero.
- Error Upon Acceptance:
- Error Message: SE 541 - "Entry sheet with value 0 cannot be accepted."
- Reference: SAP Note 91666 explains this limitation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What causes the BOS01182 error in ML81N?
BOS01182 appears when the total quantity for a service entry falls below zero, preventing deletion without proper steps like revoking acceptance first.Q2: Can I directly delete an SES without revoking acceptance?
No, you must revoke acceptance first, then set the deletion flag, otherwise the deletion will fail.Q3: Is it safe to modify SAP to allow zero quantity service entries?
It’s generally safe if done via the official SAP Note 1396925, but acceptance/release of such entries remains restricted.Q4: Will implementing Note 1396925 affect existing SES entries?
No, it only changes behavior for newly created service entry sheets moving forward.Q5: Why does SAP prevent acceptance of zero-value SES?
SAP enforces this rule to maintain proper financial and reporting consistency across the MM-SRV module.Q6: Can the SE 319 error message be customized into a warning instead of an error?
No, the SE 319 message type is hardcoded and cannot be modified.Conclusion
Managing Service Entry Sheets (SES) in SAP ML81N can initially seem complex due to system validations designed to protect data integrity. However, understanding the correct deletion and saving processes — especially when dealing with zero quantities — can make your operations much smoother. Always consider SAP Notes 1133175 and 1396925 carefully before making system changes, and ensure your team follows the standard protocols to avoid inconsistencies.