How To Fix 1P161 - Payment item with external reference number &1 is already updated

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 1P - BCA: Payment Transactions

• Message number: 161

• Message text: Payment item with external reference number &1 is already updated

What causes this issue?

It emerged that a payment item already exists with the specified
reference number from payment transactions.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 1P161 - Payment item with external reference number &1 is already updated ?

  The SAP error message 1P161 indicates that a payment item with a specific external reference number has already been processed or updated in the system. This typically occurs in the context of financial transactions, such as payment processing or reconciliation, where duplicate entries are not allowed.
  Cause:
  
  
  Duplicate Processing: The most common cause of this error is that the payment item has already been processed or updated in the system. This can happen if:
  
  The same payment was submitted multiple times.
  There was a system error that caused the payment to be recorded more than once.
  Manual entry errors where the same external reference number is used for different transactions.
  
  
  
  Data Integrity Issues: There may be issues with data integrity, where the system does not recognize that the payment has already been processed due to inconsistencies in the database.
  
  
  Timing Issues: If multiple users or processes are trying to update the same payment item simultaneously, it can lead to conflicts and this error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Payment Status: Verify the status of the payment item with the external reference number in question. You can do this by:
  
  Using transaction codes like FBL1N (Vendor Line Item Display) or FBL3N (G/L Account Line Item Display) to check if the payment has already been posted.
  Reviewing the payment logs or reports to see if the payment was processed.
  
  
  
  Avoid Duplicate Submissions: Ensure that the payment is not being submitted multiple times. Implement checks in your process to prevent duplicate entries.
  
  
  Correct External Reference: If you need to process a different payment, ensure that you are using a unique external reference number that has not been used before.
  
  
  Consult with IT Support: If you suspect a system error or data integrity issue, it may be necessary to consult with your IT support team or SAP Basis team to investigate further.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings in your SAP system related to payment processing to ensure that they are set up correctly to handle external reference numbers.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for payment processing and reporting, such as:
  
  F110 (Automatic Payment Transactions)
  FBPM (Manage Payment Medium)
  FBL1N, FBL3N (Line Item Displays)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Look for SAP Notes related to this error message in the SAP Support Portal. There may be specific patches or updates that address known issues.
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or user manuals related to payment processing for best practices and troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and prevent it from occurring in the future.