How To Fix 88797 - Material &1 is already defined as article

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 88 - REA Processing

• Message number: 797

• Message text: Material &1 is already defined as article

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 88797 - Material &1 is already defined as article ?

  The SAP error message 88797, which states "Material &1 is already defined as article," typically occurs when there is an attempt to create or modify a material that is already defined as an article in the system. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when trying to create a new material that has the same identifier as an existing article or when there is a conflict in the material master data.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The material number you are trying to create or modify already exists in the system as an article.
  Incorrect Data Entry: There may be a mistake in the material number or other identifiers being used.
  Data Migration Issues: If data was migrated from another system, there may be conflicts with existing articles in SAP.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Articles: Verify if the material number you are trying to create already exists in the system. You can do this by using transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material) or using the article master data transaction.
  
  
  Use a Different Material Number: If the material already exists, consider using a different material number that does not conflict with existing articles.
  
  
  Review Material Master Data: If you believe the material should not exist, review the material master data to ensure that it is not incorrectly defined. You may need to consult with your SAP administrator or relevant team to resolve any discrepancies.
  
  
  Data Cleanup: If there are duplicate entries due to data migration or other issues, you may need to clean up the data. This could involve deleting or archiving old or incorrect entries.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more specific guidance related to your version of SAP and the context in which the error occurred.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material).
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or modify materials in the system.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP experts for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error message 88797 and successfully manage your material and article data in SAP.