How To Fix 5W463 - Substitute may not be identical to person substituted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5W - Messages for PD (Particularly Workflow)

• Message number: 463

• Message text: Substitute may not be identical to person substituted

What causes this issue?

Substitute may not be identical to person substituted.

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 5W463 - Substitute may not be identical to person substituted ?

  The SAP error message 5W463 ("Substitute may not be identical to person substituted") typically occurs in the context of workflow or substitution settings within SAP. This error indicates that the system has detected that the substitute you are trying to assign is the same as the person being substituted. In other words, you cannot set a user to substitute for themselves.
  Cause:
  
  Self-Substitution: The most common cause of this error is that the user is attempting to set themselves as their own substitute in the workflow or substitution settings.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues in the configuration of the substitution settings that allow for this scenario to be attempted.
  
  Solution:
  
  Change the Substitute: Ensure that the substitute you are trying to assign is a different user. You need to select a valid user who will take over the responsibilities during the absence of the original user.
  Review Substitution Settings: Check the substitution settings in the SAP system to ensure that they are configured correctly and that users are aware of the rules regarding substitutions.
  User Training: Educate users on how to properly set up substitutions and the importance of not selecting themselves as substitutes.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You can manage substitutions using transaction codes like SWU3 (Automatic Workflow Customizing) or SWWI (Workflow Administration).
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed instructions on setting up and managing substitutions.
  User Roles: Ensure that users have the appropriate roles and permissions to set up substitutions in the system.
  Workflow Monitoring: Use transaction SWI1 to monitor workflows and see if there are any other issues related to substitutions.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or Workflow Administrator for further investigation.