How To Fix AO521 - Entering variant number only possible with external number assignment

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AO - Appropriation requests - Master data / Customizing

• Message number: 521

• Message text: Entering variant number only possible with external number assignment

What causes this issue?

You are trying to create a variant with an externally assigned variant
number. However, the appropriation request type stipulates internal
number assignment for variants.

System Response

The variant is not created.

How to fix this error?

Do not enter a variant number.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AO521 - Entering variant number only possible with external number assignment ?

  The SAP error message AO521, which states "Entering variant number only possible with external number assignment," typically occurs in the context of Asset Accounting (FI-AA) when you are trying to create or modify a variant for asset transactions. This error indicates that the system is set up to use external number assignment for the variant, but you are attempting to enter a variant number manually.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the configuration settings in the Asset Accounting module. Specifically, it occurs when:
  
  The number assignment for the variant is set to "external" in the configuration.
  You are trying to enter a variant number manually, which is not allowed when external number assignment is configured.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you have a couple of options:
  
  
  Use the Automatic Number Assignment:
  
  Instead of entering a variant number manually, allow the system to generate the variant number automatically. This is the recommended approach when external number assignment is configured.
  
  
  
  Change the Number Assignment Configuration:
  
  If you need to enter variant numbers manually, you can change the configuration to allow for internal number assignment. This can be done by:
  
  Navigating to the configuration settings in SAP.
  Going to the path: SPRO > Financial Accounting > Asset Accounting > Master Data > Define Number Ranges for Asset Master Records.
  Here, you can adjust the settings for the number range to allow for internal number assignment.
  
  
  
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to create or modify variants in Asset Accounting.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may encounter this error while using transaction codes related to Asset Accounting, such as AS01 (Create Asset), AS02 (Change Asset), or AS03 (Display Asset).
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for Asset Accounting for more detailed information on number assignment and variants.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the AO521 error and proceed with your asset accounting tasks.