How To Fix 29003 - Alternative & already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 29 - Bills of Material

• Message number: 003

• Message text: Alternative & already exists

What causes this issue?

You want to create an alternative BOM which already exists.

How to fix this error?

You have two options:
You can correct your entry by overwriting the alternative you
entered.
You can cancel the alternative you entered by entering "!" at the
beginning of the field <ZH>Alternative</>.
Press ENTER. The system then enters the next available alternative in
the field.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 29003 - Alternative & already exists ?

  The SAP error message "29003 - Alternative & already exists" typically occurs in the context of material master data or production planning when you are trying to create or modify an alternative item or production version that already exists in the system. This error indicates that the alternative you are trying to create is a duplicate of an existing entry.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The most common cause is that the alternative you are trying to create has the same key or identifier as an existing alternative in the system.
  Incorrect Data Entry: There may be a mistake in the data entry, such as a typo or incorrect reference that leads to the system recognizing it as a duplicate.
  Configuration Issues: Sometimes, the configuration settings in the system may not allow for multiple alternatives under certain conditions.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Alternatives: Before creating a new alternative, check the existing alternatives for the material or production version to ensure that you are not duplicating an entry. You can do this by navigating to the relevant transaction (e.g., MM03 for material master) and reviewing the alternatives.
  
  
  Modify Existing Alternative: If you find that the alternative already exists and you need to make changes, consider modifying the existing entry instead of creating a new one.
  
  
  Use Different Identifiers: If you need to create a new alternative, ensure that it has a unique identifier that does not conflict with existing entries.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files related to the specific module you are working with (e.g., Material Management, Production Planning) for additional guidance on handling alternatives.
  
  
  Check Configuration Settings: If you believe the error is due to configuration settings, consult with your SAP administrator or a functional consultant to review the settings related to alternatives in your system.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material) to manage material master data.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify alternatives in the system.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.