How To Fix 12506 - The target user group must be different from the source user group &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 12 - Herstelldatum/Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum/Chargen

• Message number: 506

• Message text: The target user group must be different from the source user group &1

What causes this issue?

You want to copy the <DS:DE.BICSS>selection tab title</> &V3& of the
<DS:DE.BICUG>user group</> &V1& <ZH><ZK>&V2&</></>.
When you copy selection tab titles, the corresponding
<DS:DE.BIC_FIELD>selection fields</> are automatically copied along
with them. You cannot do this within the same user group.

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?

Define a user group that is different from <ZH>&V1&</> or exit the
copying transaction.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 12506 - The target user group must be different from the source user group &1 ?

  The SAP error message 12506, which states "The target user group must be different from the source user group &1," typically occurs in the context of user administration, particularly when dealing with user groups in SAP systems. This error indicates that there is an attempt to assign a user to a target user group that is the same as the source user group, which is not allowed.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  You are trying to assign a user to a new user group (target) that is identical to the user group they are currently in (source).
  The system enforces a rule that prevents a user from being assigned to the same group they already belong to, likely to maintain proper user group management and security protocols.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check User Group Assignments:
  
  Verify the current user group assignment of the user in question. You can do this by navigating to the user management transaction (e.g., SU01 for user maintenance).
  
  
  
  Select a Different Target User Group:
  
  When attempting to assign the user to a new group, ensure that the target user group is different from the source user group. Choose a valid user group that the user is not currently assigned to.
  
  
  
  Modify User Group Assignment:
  
  If you need to change the user group, first remove the user from the current group and then assign them to the new group. This can be done in the user maintenance transaction (SU01).
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the user groups and their purposes, refer to your organization's documentation or SAP help resources to understand the user group structure.
  
  
  
  Check Authorization:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to user group assignments. Lack of proper permissions can also lead to issues when trying to modify user groups.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  User Groups in SAP: User groups are used to manage user authorizations and roles within the SAP system. They help in organizing users based on their job functions or responsibilities.
  Transaction Codes: Common transaction codes related to user management include:
  
  SU01: User Maintenance
  SU10: Mass User Maintenance
  PFCG: Role Maintenance (for managing roles and authorizations)
  
  
  SAP Notes: If you encounter persistent issues or need more detailed guidance, consider searching for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error message 12506 and successfully manage user group assignments in your SAP system.