How To Fix BCOM_R_ATTCAT005 - The source type 'External' cannot be used, choose another source type

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BCOM_R_ATTCAT - Messages for routing attribute catalog

• Message number: 005

• Message text: The source type 'External' cannot be used, choose another source type

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BCOM_R_ATTCAT005 - The source type 'External' cannot be used, choose another source type ?

  The SAP error message BCOM_R_ATTCAT005 indicates that there is an issue with the source type being used in a particular context, specifically that the source type 'External' is not valid for the operation you are trying to perform. This error typically arises in the context of SAP Business Communication Management (BCM) or related modules where source types are defined for various data inputs.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Source Type: The source type 'External' may not be configured correctly or is not allowed in the context of the operation you are attempting.
  Configuration Issues: There may be a misconfiguration in the system settings or in the specific transaction you are using.
  Data Entry Error: The user may have inadvertently selected the wrong source type when entering data.
  
  Solution:
  
  Choose a Different Source Type: Review the available source types in the system and select one that is valid for your operation. This may involve checking the documentation or configuration settings to understand which source types are permissible.
  Check Configuration Settings: If you have access to the configuration settings, verify that the source types are set up correctly. This may involve consulting with your SAP Basis or configuration team.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on the specific transaction or module you are working with. This can provide insights into valid source types and their usage.
  User Training: If the error is due to user input, consider providing training or guidelines to users on how to select the correct source types.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide updates and patches that could resolve the issue.
  Transaction Codes: Identify the transaction code you are using when the error occurs, as this can help narrow down the context and potential solutions.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels where other users may have encountered similar issues and can share their solutions.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance, providing them with detailed information about the error and the context in which it occurs.