How To Fix B5ALE020 - Do not use the same entry twice or ones that already exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: B5ALE - ALE Customizing Distribution Messages

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Do not use the same entry twice or ones that already exist

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message B5ALE020 - Do not use the same entry twice or ones that already exist ?

  The SAP error message B5ALE020 typically indicates that there is an attempt to create or process an entry that already exists in the system or that the same entry is being used multiple times in a context where it is not allowed. This error is often encountered in scenarios involving data uploads, master data maintenance, or during the execution of certain transactions.
  Cause:
  
  
  Duplicate Entries: The most common cause is that the system has detected a duplicate entry. This could be due to:
  
  Attempting to create a new record with a key that already exists in the database.
  Trying to upload data that contains duplicate records.
  Using the same reference or identifier in a transaction where uniqueness is required.
  
  
  
  Data Integrity Rules: SAP enforces data integrity rules to ensure that each entry is unique where necessary. This error is a safeguard against data inconsistencies.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check for Duplicates: 
  
  Review the data you are trying to enter or upload. Ensure that there are no duplicate entries.
  If you are uploading data, check the source file for duplicate records.
  
  
  
  Modify the Entry: 
  
  If you find that the entry already exists, consider modifying the existing entry instead of creating a new one.
  If you need to create a new entry, ensure that it has a unique identifier.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: 
  
  Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to check the relevant database table for existing entries that might be causing the conflict.
  
  
  
  Error Handling in Uploads: 
  
  If you are using a data upload tool (like LSMW or BAPIs), ensure that the mapping and transformation rules are correctly set to avoid duplicates.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines related to the transaction or process you are working with.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that may help in troubleshooting, such as SE16 (Data Browser) or SE11 (Data Dictionary).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify the entries in question.
  Testing in Development: If possible, replicate the issue in a development or test environment to better understand the cause without affecting production data.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the B5ALE020 error and implement a solution to resolve it.