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