How To Fix 8A551 - Format of reference document number is invalid

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 8A - Messages for Argentina

• Message number: 551

• Message text: Format of reference document number is invalid

What causes this issue?

You have chosen a document type that is relevant for official Argentine
document numbering and for which the official document number is not
automatically generated. That means that you have to enter the official
document number in the reference field in the following format:

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

XXXXANNNNNNNN
XXXX: 4 digit number for the issuing branch
A: Printing character
NNNNNNNN: 8 digit number field

How to fix this error?

Please enter the official document number in the format desribed above.
Please check also that the printing character entered in position 5 is
defined in your customizing settings of the possible printing
characters.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 8A551 - Format of reference document number is invalid ?

  The SAP error message 8A551 indicates that the format of the reference document number you are trying to enter is invalid. This error typically occurs in the context of financial transactions, such as when processing invoices, payments, or other accounting documents.
  Cause:
  
  
  Incorrect Format: The reference document number may not conform to the expected format defined in the system. This could be due to:
  
  Incorrect length (too short or too long).
  Invalid characters (e.g., special characters that are not allowed).
  Incorrect structure (e.g., missing required prefixes or suffixes).
  
  
  
  Configuration Issues: The document number format may not be properly configured in the system settings. This can happen if the number range or format settings have been changed or not set up correctly.
  
  
  User Input Error: The user may have mistakenly entered the reference document number incorrectly.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Format: Verify the expected format for the reference document number in your SAP system. This can usually be found in the documentation or by consulting with your SAP administrator.
  
  
  Correct Input: Ensure that the reference document number you are entering adheres to the required format. Check for:
  
  Correct length.
  Allowed characters.
  Proper structure.
  
  
  
  Configuration Review: If you have access, review the configuration settings for document number formats in the relevant SAP module (e.g., FI, MM). This may involve checking:
  
  Number range settings.
  Document type settings.
  Any custom validation rules that may have been implemented.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on the format of reference document numbers.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can help diagnose and fix the configuration or input issues.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may be using transaction codes like FB60 (Enter Incoming Invoice), FB70 (Enter Outgoing Invoice), or others related to financial postings.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Exits or BAdIs: If your organization has implemented custom logic, there may be user exits or BAdIs that affect how document numbers are validated.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.