How To Fix AR186 - The first hyphen in the D-U-N-S number is not in position &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AR - SSRV function module messages

• Message number: 186

• Message text: The first hyphen in the D-U-N-S number is not in position &

What causes this issue?

In a D-U-N-S number, the first hyphen is expected to be in the third
position. In the D-U-N-S number entered, the first hyphen was in
pposition &V1&.
D-U-N-S stands for <ZH>D</>ata <ZH>U</>niversal <ZH>N</>umbering
<ZH>S</>ystem.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Enter a correct D-U-N-S number.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AR186 - The first hyphen in the D-U-N-S number is not in position & ?

  The SAP error message AR186 indicates an issue with the format of the D-U-N-S (Data Universal Numbering System) number that is being entered into the system. The D-U-N-S number is a unique identifier for businesses, and it is important that it follows a specific format.
  Cause:
  The error message AR186 specifically points out that the first hyphen in the D-U-N-S number is not in the expected position. This typically means that the D-U-N-S number is not formatted correctly according to the rules defined in the SAP system. The D-U-N-S number should have a specific structure, and if the hyphen is misplaced or if the number does not conform to the expected length or format, this error will occur.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should:
  
  
  Check the D-U-N-S Number Format: Ensure that the D-U-N-S number you are entering follows the correct format. The standard D-U-N-S number is a 9-digit number, and it may include hyphens in specific positions. Verify the correct format required by your SAP system.
  
  
  Correct the Position of the Hyphen: If the hyphen is misplaced, adjust it to the correct position as specified by the SAP system. The first hyphen should be in the position indicated by the error message.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to your organization's documentation or SAP guidelines regarding the D-U-N-S number format to ensure compliance.
  
  
  Test with a Valid D-U-N-S Number: If you have access to a valid D-U-N-S number, try entering it to see if the error persists. This can help determine if the issue is with the specific number you are trying to use.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP documentation for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  D-U-N-S Number: A D-U-N-S number is a unique identifier for businesses, assigned by Dun & Bradstreet. It is widely used for business credit reporting and is often required for various business transactions.
  SAP Configuration: The format and validation rules for D-U-N-S numbers may be configured in the SAP system. If you have administrative access, you may want to check the configuration settings related to D-U-N-S number validation.
  Error Handling: Familiarize yourself with common SAP error messages and their resolutions, as this can help in troubleshooting similar issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the AR186 error and successfully enter the D-U-N-S number into the SAP system.