This guide explains how to fix a common validation error that occurs in Acenda when syndicating product catalogs to Target+.
Error Message:
Message Validation Failed: Parent variation type is VAP, but no variation theme on parent: unknown
Cause:
This error occurs when a parent product is correctly identified as a "Variation Parent" (VAP), but the specific attributes that define the variations (known as the "variation theme") have not been set. For example, the system is aware of variations, but it doesn't know whether they are based on color or size.
Resolution Steps:
To resolve this issue, you must define the variation theme on the parent product within the Acenda admin tool.
Log in to your Acenda Admin Tool.
Navigate to the parent product of the variant group that is causing the error.
On the product page, ensure you are in the Details tab.
Scroll down to the "Product Options" section.
Click the Edit button for Product Options.
Enter the appropriate variation themes for the product group, which is size and/or color (lower case).
Save your changes.
Next, for the variant SKUs assigned to your parent product:
Navigate to the variants tab under the parent product.
Go to the details tab for each variant SKU.
Add the Size and/or Color values (you choose these values).
Save your changes.
Return to the parent product page, then the variants tab. You should now see the variants displaying the "Size/Color" variation values.
After updating the parent product with the correct variation theme and making sure the variant skus have Size/Color values, the error should be resolved upon the next syndication attempt to Target+.