IM438 - Effect not defined

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IM - Maintenance notifications

• Message number: 438

• Message text: Effect not defined

What causes this issue?

The text for the effect is not contained in Table T357A_T.

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?

You can continue processing the PM notification. However, you should
inform your system administrator of the missing information.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IM438 - Effect not defined ?

  The SAP error message IM438 ("Effect not defined") typically occurs in the context of Inventory Management or Material Management when a user attempts to perform an action that requires a specific effect to be defined for a material or transaction type, but that effect is not set up in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Configuration: The most common cause of this error is that the necessary configuration for the material or transaction type has not been defined in the system. This could be related to movement types, valuation classes, or other settings that dictate how inventory transactions are processed.
  Incorrect Movement Type: The movement type being used may not be correctly configured to handle the specific transaction you are trying to execute.
  Master Data Issues: There may be issues with the material master data, such as missing or incorrect settings that prevent the system from determining the appropriate effect for the transaction.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in SAP (Transaction SPRO).
  Navigate to the relevant area for Inventory Management or Material Management.
  Ensure that the effects for the relevant movement types are defined correctly. This may involve checking the settings for movement types, valuation classes, and other related configurations.
  
  
  
  Review Movement Types:
  
  Use transaction code OMJJ to review the movement types and their associated effects.
  Ensure that the movement type you are using is correctly configured and that the effect is defined.
  
  
  
  Material Master Data:
  
  Check the material master data for the material in question (Transaction MM03).
  Ensure that all necessary views (such as Basic Data, Purchasing, Accounting, etc.) are correctly filled out and that there are no missing or incorrect entries.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the error message and the configuration settings that may need to be adjusted.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making any changes, perform a test transaction to ensure that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SPRO (Customizing)
  OMJJ (Movement Type Configuration)
  MM03 (Display Material)
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on configuration.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to perform the actions related to inventory management.
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above areas, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a consultant who specializes in SAP MM/IM for further assistance.