How To Fix 06016 - External document number & already assigned

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 06 -

• Message number: 016

• Message text: External document number & already assigned

What causes this issue?

A document with this number already exists.

How to fix this error?

Enter a number that has not yet been assigned.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 06016 - External document number & already assigned ?

  The SAP error message "06016 External document number & already assigned" typically occurs when you are trying to assign an external document number (such as a reference number or invoice number) that has already been used in the system. This can happen in various SAP modules, such as FI (Financial Accounting) or MM (Materials Management), where unique document numbers are required for transactions.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The external document number you are trying to use has already been assigned to another document in the system.
  Configuration Issues: The system may be configured to enforce unique external document numbers across certain transactions.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be conflicts with existing document numbers.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Document Numbers: Verify if the external document number you are trying to use is already assigned to another document. You can do this by searching in the relevant transaction or using transaction codes like FB03 (Display Document) or MB03 (Display Material Document).
  
  
  Use a Different Number: If the number is already in use, you will need to use a different external document number that is unique.
  
  
  Review Configuration: If you believe this is an error in configuration, check the settings in the relevant SAP module to ensure that the external document number assignment rules are set correctly.
  
  
  Data Cleanup: If this issue arose from data migration, you may need to clean up the data to ensure that there are no duplicates in the external document numbers.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for specific guidance related to the module you are working in.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for document management in SAP, such as FB03, FB02, MB03, etc.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify documents in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.