How To Fix >0179 - Formal error: Doc number missing in external number assignment

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: >0 - General Basis texts

• Message number: 179

• Message text: Formal error: Doc number missing in external number assignment

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message >0179 - Formal error: Doc number missing in external number assignment ?

  The SAP error message 0179 ("Formal error: Doc number missing in external number assignment") typically occurs when there is an issue with the external number assignment for a document in SAP. This error indicates that the system expects a document number to be provided, but it is missing or not properly assigned.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Document Number: The document number is not provided in the transaction where it is required.
  Incorrect Configuration: The external number range configuration for the document type may not be set up correctly.
  Number Range Assignment: The number range for the document type may not be defined or may have been exhausted.
  User Authorization: The user may not have the necessary authorization to create or assign document numbers.
  System Settings: The system settings for number assignment may not be correctly configured for the specific document type.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Document Number: Ensure that the document number is being provided in the transaction. If it is supposed to be generated automatically, check the configuration.
  Review Number Range Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction SNRO (Number Range Objects) and check the number range object related to the document type.
  Ensure that the number range is defined and that there are available numbers in the range.
  
  
  Adjust Number Range:
  
  If the number range is exhausted, you may need to extend it. This can be done in transaction SNRO or OBA7 (for financial documents).
  
  
  Check User Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to create or assign document numbers.
  Consult with Basis Team: If the issue persists, it may be necessary to consult with the SAP Basis team to check for any system-level issues or configurations that may be affecting number assignment.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SNRO: Number Range Objects
  OBA7: Maintain Number Ranges for Document Types
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to number range management for specific modules (e.g., FI, MM, SD) to understand how external number assignment works.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide additional guidance on this error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the error message 0179 in SAP.