How To Fix 88099 - Article & is already defined

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 88 - REA Processing

• Message number: 099

• Message text: Article & is already defined

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 88099 - Article & is already defined ?

  The SAP error message "88099 Article & is already defined" typically occurs when you are trying to create or define an article (material) in the system that already exists. This can happen in various modules, such as Material Management (MM) or Sales and Distribution (SD), where articles or materials are managed.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The most common cause is that the article number you are trying to create is already in use in the system.
  Incorrect Data Entry: There may be a typo or incorrect data entry that leads to the system recognizing the article as already defined.
  Different Views: The article might exist in a different view or organizational unit that you are not aware of.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Articles: Before creating a new article, check the existing articles in the system. You can do this by using transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material) or using the relevant reports to search for the article number.
  Use a Different Article Number: If the article already exists, consider using a different article number that is not already defined in the system.
  Review Organizational Units: Ensure that you are looking in the correct organizational unit or plant. Sometimes, articles are defined in different plants or sales organizations.
  Consult with Colleagues: If you are unsure, consult with your colleagues or the person responsible for material management to confirm whether the article already exists.
  Check for Deletion: If you believe the article should not exist, check if it has been marked for deletion or archived. You may need to consult with your SAP administrator for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material).
  Material Master Data: Understand the structure of material master data in SAP, including views like Basic Data, Sales Data, Purchasing Data, etc.
  User Authorization: Ensure you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify articles in the system.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes or the SAP Help Portal for any specific notes related to this error message, as there may be updates or patches that address similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further investigation.