How To Fix BUP_CENT005 - Cannot change; the record "Valid To &1" already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BUP_CENT - BP: Messages for Segment General Data

• Message number: 005

• Message text: Cannot change; the record "Valid To &1" already exists

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 BUP_CENT005 - Cannot change; the record "Valid To &1" already exists ?

  The SAP error message BUP_CENT005 indicates that there is an attempt to change a business partner record, but the system has detected that a record with the same validity period already exists. Specifically, the error message states that a record with the "Valid To" date already exists, which prevents the change from being made.
  Cause:
  The error typically occurs in the following scenarios:
  
  Overlapping Validity Periods: You are trying to create or modify a business partner record with a validity period that overlaps with an existing record.
  Duplicate Entries: There may be an attempt to enter a new record that conflicts with an existing record's validity dates.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Records:
  
  Review the existing business partner records to identify any records that have overlapping validity periods with the one you are trying to change.
  Use transaction codes like BP (Business Partner) to view the details of the existing records.
  
  
  
  Adjust Validity Dates:
  
  If you find overlapping records, you may need to adjust the validity dates of either the existing record or the new record you are trying to create or modify.
  Ensure that the "Valid From" and "Valid To" dates do not overlap with existing records.
  
  
  
  Delete or Archive Old Records:
  
  If the existing record is no longer needed, consider deleting or archiving it, provided that it does not affect other business processes.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator for specific guidelines on managing business partner records and validity periods.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Utilize transaction codes like BP to manage business partner data effectively and ensure that you are not creating conflicting entries.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Business Partner Management: Understanding how business partner management works in SAP can help prevent such errors. Familiarize yourself with the concepts of validity periods and how they are used in business partner records.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional insights or solutions related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to business partner records, as restrictions may also lead to errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BUP_CENT005 error and successfully manage your business partner records in SAP.