How To Fix ACAC020 - Enter an external object number

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ACAC - Nachrichten FI-GL-ACAC (Accrual Accounting)

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Enter an external object number

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 ACAC020 - Enter an external object number ?

  The SAP error message ACAC020, which states "Enter an external object number," typically occurs in the context of Asset Accounting (FI-AA) when a user is trying to create or modify an asset and the system requires an external object number that has not been provided.
  Cause:
  The error is usually triggered when:
  
  The asset master record requires an external object number (e.g., a reference number from an external system) that has not been entered.
  The configuration settings for the asset class may require an external object number to be filled in.
  The user may be trying to create an asset without providing all the necessary information as per the configuration.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the ACAC020 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Asset Class Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for the asset class in transaction code OAOA (Define Asset Classes).
  Ensure that the field for the external object number is set up correctly and is marked as required if necessary.
  
  
  
  Enter External Object Number:
  
  When creating or modifying the asset, ensure that you fill in the external object number field. This may be a number from an external system or a specific identifier that your organization uses.
  
  
  
  Review User Input:
  
  Double-check the input fields in the asset creation or modification screen to ensure that all mandatory fields, including the external object number, are filled out correctly.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about what the external object number should be, consult your organization's documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for clarification.
  
  
  
  Check for User Exits or BAdIs:
  
  If your organization has implemented custom logic (user exits or BAdIs) that might affect the asset creation process, check if these are causing the requirement for an external object number.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  AS01 (Create Asset), AS02 (Change Asset), AS03 (Display Asset) are commonly used for asset management.
  
  
  SAP Notes: 
  
  Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message.
  
  
  Documentation: 
  
  Review SAP Help documentation for Asset Accounting to understand the requirements for asset creation and the role of external object numbers.
  
  
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or functional team for further investigation.