How To Fix 10016 - For status &, a record with comparison operator 'DEF' already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 10 - Customizing: Process Industries

• Message number: 016

• Message text: For status &, a record with comparison operator 'DEF' already exists

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 10016 - For status &, a record with comparison operator 'DEF' already exists ?

  The SAP error message 10016, which states "For status &, a record with comparison operator 'DEF' already exists," typically occurs in the context of configuration settings or data entries where a duplicate record is being created or modified. This error is often related to the configuration of status management in various SAP modules, such as Production Planning (PP), Materials Management (MM), or Sales and Distribution (SD).
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when you attempt to create or modify a status record that already exists with the same comparison operator ('DEF' in this case). This means that the system has detected a conflict where the same status is being defined multiple times, which is not allowed.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Records: 
  
  Navigate to the relevant configuration area where the status is defined (e.g., transaction codes like OPL8 for production orders, OCO1 for order types, etc.).
  Look for existing records that match the status you are trying to create or modify. 
  
  
  
  Modify or Delete Duplicate Records:
  
  If you find a duplicate record, you can either modify it to meet your requirements or delete it if it is not needed.
  Ensure that the comparison operator and other parameters are correctly set to avoid conflicts.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings:
  
  Ensure that your configuration settings are correct and that you are not unintentionally trying to create a duplicate status.
  Check if there are any transport requests that might have introduced duplicates.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help files related to the specific module you are working with to understand the implications of status definitions and how they should be configured.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the configuration to ensure that the error does not reoccur and that the system behaves as expected.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the module, you may need to use specific transaction codes to access the configuration settings (e.g., OPL8 for production orders).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide additional context or solutions that may not be immediately apparent.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to modify the configuration settings, as lack of permissions can sometimes lead to unexpected errors.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.