How To Fix /BEV4/PLPEND038 - Internal material number already assigned to external material number: &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /BEV4/PLPEND -

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Internal material number already assigned to external material number: &1

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /BEV4/PLPEND038 - Internal material number already assigned to external material number: &1 ?

  The SAP error message /BEV4/PLPEND038 Internal material number already assigned to external material number: &1 typically occurs in the context of material management and logistics, particularly when dealing with the assignment of internal and external material numbers in the SAP system.
  Cause:
  This error indicates that the internal material number you are trying to assign or use is already linked to an external material number. In SAP, each material can have a unique internal number and can also be associated with an external number (like a vendor's part number). If you attempt to assign an internal material number that is already associated with another external material number, the system will throw this error to prevent data inconsistencies.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Assignments:
  
  Use transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material) or MM02 (Change Material) to check the existing assignments of the internal material number in question.
  Look for any existing external material number assignments that may be causing the conflict.
  
  
  
  Identify Conflicting External Material Numbers:
  
  If the internal material number is already assigned to another external material number, you will need to identify that assignment and determine if it can be changed or removed.
  
  
  
  Change or Remove Assignment:
  
  If the assignment is no longer needed, you can remove the external material number assignment from the internal material number using the appropriate transaction (e.g., MM02).
  If the assignment is necessary, consider using a different internal material number that is not already assigned.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation or Support:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of changing material assignments, consult your organization's documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for guidance.
  
  
  
  Check for Customizations:
  
  If your organization has custom developments or enhancements in place, ensure that these are not causing the issue. Custom logic might be affecting how material numbers are assigned.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Material Master Data: Understanding how material master data is structured in SAP can help in managing material assignments effectively.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material) for managing material data.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message, as there may be updates or fixes provided by SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and ensure that your material number assignments are correctly configured in the SAP system.