How To Fix 1E818 - Existing business partner &1 and new business partner &2 are identical

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 1E - BCA: Account

• Message number: 818

• Message text: Existing business partner &1 and new business partner &2 are identical

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 1E818 - Existing business partner &1 and new business partner &2 are identical ?

  The SAP error message 1E818 indicates that there is an attempt to create or modify a business partner (BP) in such a way that it results in a duplicate entry. Specifically, it means that the existing business partner (identified by &1) and the new business partner (identified by &2) are considered identical by the system, which prevents the operation from being completed.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Business Partner: The most common cause of this error is that the system has detected that the new business partner you are trying to create or modify already exists in the system with the same attributes (e.g., name, address, tax ID).
  Data Entry Error: There may be a mistake in the data entry where the same business partner is being entered again, either by mistake or due to a misunderstanding of the existing records.
  Configuration Issues: Sometimes, the configuration settings for business partner management may lead to strict duplicate checks that flag legitimate entries as duplicates.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Business Partners: Before creating a new business partner, search the existing business partners in the system to ensure that you are not duplicating an entry. Use the search functionality to look for similar names, addresses, or other identifying information.
  Modify Existing Entry: If you find that the business partner already exists, consider modifying the existing entry instead of creating a new one. This may involve updating the information or adding new roles or data to the existing business partner.
  Review Data: Ensure that the data you are trying to enter for the new business partner is accurate and does not match any existing entries. Pay attention to fields that are used for duplicate checks.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or guidelines related to business partner management to understand the criteria used for identifying duplicates.
  System Configuration: If you believe the duplicate check is too strict or not functioning as intended, consult with your SAP administrator or technical team to review the configuration settings for business partner management.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Business Partner Roles: Understand the different roles that a business partner can have in SAP (e.g., customer, vendor) and how these roles may affect the identification of duplicates.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this error or provide additional guidance on handling business partner duplicates.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to business partner management, such as BP (Business Partner) for creating or modifying business partners.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and manage your business partner data effectively in SAP.