How To Fix BK172 - Several documents were found; external number assignment is not possible.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BK - Create, Display, Reverse Controlling Document

• Message number: 172

• Message text: Several documents were found; external number assignment is not possible.

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BK172 - Several documents were found; external number assignment is not possible. ?

  The SAP error message BK172 ("Several documents were found; external number assignment is not possible") typically occurs when you are trying to post a document using an external number range, but the system finds multiple documents that match the criteria for the number assignment. This can happen in various scenarios, such as during document posting in Financial Accounting (FI) or Controlling (CO).
  Cause:
  
  Multiple Documents: The system has found multiple documents that could potentially match the external number range you are trying to use. This can happen if there are overlapping or conflicting number ranges.
  Configuration Issues: The number range configuration for the document type may not be set up correctly, leading to ambiguity in number assignment.
  Document Type Settings: The document type you are using may not be configured to allow external number assignment.
  Missing Number Range: The external number range may not be defined or may be exhausted.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Number Range Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code SNRO (Number Range Objects) and check the configuration for the relevant number range object.
  Ensure that the external number range is correctly defined and that there are no overlaps with other number ranges.
  
  
  
  Review Document Type Settings:
  
  Use transaction code OB41 to check the settings for the document type you are using.
  Ensure that the document type is set to allow external number assignment.
  
  
  
  Clear Conflicts:
  
  If there are multiple documents that match the criteria, you may need to review and clear any conflicts. This could involve checking for duplicate entries or ensuring that the documents are correctly posted.
  
  
  
  Use Internal Number Assignment:
  
  If external number assignment is not strictly necessary, consider switching to internal number assignment for the document type.
  
  
  
  Check for Missing Number Ranges:
  
  Ensure that the external number range is not exhausted. If it is, you may need to extend the range or create a new one.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SNRO: Number Range Objects
  OB41: Document Type Configuration
  FB01: General Journal Entry Posting
  F-02: General Posting
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on number range management and document posting procedures.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BK172 error and successfully post your documents.