How To Fix 88798 - Material &1 already exists as reference article

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 88 - REA Processing

• Message number: 798

• Message text: Material &1 already exists as reference 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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 88798 - Material &1 already exists as reference article ?

  The SAP error message 88798, which states "Material &1 already exists as reference article," typically occurs when you are trying to create or modify a material in the SAP system that is intended to be a reference article, but a material with the same reference already exists in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Reference: The primary cause of this error is that the material you are trying to create or modify is being assigned a reference article number that is already in use by another material.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been a mistake in data entry, leading to an attempt to create a duplicate reference article.
  System Configuration: The system may be configured to prevent the creation of duplicate reference articles to maintain data integrity.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Materials: Before creating a new material, check the existing materials in the system to see if the reference article already exists. You can do this by using transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material) or MM02 (Change Material).
  Use a Different Reference: If the reference article already exists, consider using a different reference number for the new material.
  Review Material Master Data: Ensure that the material master data is correctly maintained and that there are no unintended duplicates.
  Consult with SAP Support: If you believe this error is occurring in error or if you need further assistance, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP documentation for more detailed troubleshooting steps.
  
  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 effectively.
  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 materials in the system.
  Training and Documentation: Review any training materials or documentation related to material management in SAP to understand the processes and best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully manage your material master data in SAP.