How To Fix 26016 - Referenced document not found

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 26 - Dokumentenverwaltung

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Referenced document not found

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 26016 - Referenced document not found ?

  The SAP error message 26016, "Referenced document not found," typically occurs when a user attempts to process a document (such as a purchase order, invoice, or delivery) that references another document that does not exist or cannot be found in the system. This can happen in various SAP modules, including Materials Management (MM), Sales and Distribution (SD), and Finance (FI).
  Causes:
  
  Document Deletion: The referenced document may have been deleted or archived, making it unavailable for the current transaction.
  Incorrect Document Number: The document number entered may be incorrect or mistyped.
  Document Status: The referenced document may be in a status that prevents it from being accessed (e.g., blocked, canceled).
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies in the database, such as missing entries in related tables.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to view or access the referenced document.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Verify Document Existence: Check if the referenced document exists in the system. You can do this by using transaction codes like ME23N (for purchase orders), VF03 (for billing documents), or VL03N (for delivery documents).
  Check Document Number: Ensure that the document number you are entering is correct. Double-check for any typos or formatting issues.
  Review Document Status: Look at the status of the referenced document to ensure it is not blocked or canceled. You can check the document's status in the relevant transaction.
  Consult with IT Support: If you suspect data inconsistency, it may be necessary to consult with your IT support team or SAP Basis team to investigate the database for any issues.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the referenced document. If not, contact your system administrator to request the appropriate authorizations.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for the documents you are working with (e.g., ME23N for purchase orders, VF03 for invoices).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide additional context or solutions.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or user manuals for the specific module you are working with to understand how document referencing works.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to escalate the matter to your SAP support team for further investigation.