How To Fix /ATL/GENERAL159 - purchasing document number/item number not defined

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /ATL/GENERAL -

• Message number: 159

• Message text: purchasing document number/item number not defined

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /ATL/GENERAL159 - purchasing document number/item number not defined ?

  The SAP error message /ATL/GENERAL159 indicates that there is an issue with a purchasing document number or item number that is not defined in the system. This error typically arises in the context of the Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP) layer when the system is trying to access or process a purchasing document that does not exist or is not properly defined.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect Document Number: The purchasing document number or item number being referenced may be incorrect or mistyped.
  Document Deletion: The purchasing document may have been deleted or archived, making it unavailable for processing.
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies in the database, such as missing entries in the relevant tables.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the purchasing document.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the purchasing module that prevent the document from being recognized.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Verify Document Number: Check the purchasing document number and item number for accuracy. Ensure that they are correctly entered and exist in the system.
  Check Document Status: Use transaction codes like ME23N (Display Purchase Order) to check if the document is still active and has not been deleted or archived.
  Database Consistency Check: Run consistency checks on the relevant tables to ensure that all necessary entries are present. This may require the help of a technical consultant.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to access the purchasing document. This can be checked in the user roles and authorizations.
  Consult Configuration: If the issue persists, consult with your SAP Basis or configuration team to review the settings related to purchasing documents.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME23N (Display Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and ME21N (Create Purchase Order) to navigate and troubleshoot purchasing documents.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions to common problems.
  Support: If the issue cannot be resolved internally, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.