How To Fix CM_EHFND_COMN051 - Description "&1" already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CM_EHFND_COMN - Commonly Used Messages

• Message number: 051

• Message text: Description "&1" already exists

What causes this issue?

You want to add entries to an existing table. However, the system
checked the table and found that one of the short descriptions exists
already in the table. Note that the system check is case-insensitive.

System Response

The system prohibits you from adding the new entry.

How to fix this error?

Check your entries and define a unique short description. After this,
you can enter any text in the long description.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CM_EHFND_COMN051 - Description "&1" already exists ?

  The SAP error message CM_EHFND_COMN051, which states that "&1" already exists, typically occurs in the context of data management within SAP applications, particularly when dealing with master data or configuration settings. This error indicates that an attempt is being made to create or insert a record that already exists in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The most common cause of this error is that the system is trying to create a new entry (like a business partner, customer, vendor, etc.) that already exists in the database.
  Data Migration Issues: If you are migrating data from another system or performing bulk uploads, there may be duplicates in the data being imported.
  Incorrect Configuration: Sometimes, the configuration settings may allow for duplicate entries, but the system enforces uniqueness in certain fields.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check for Existing Records: Before creating a new entry, check the database to see if the record already exists. You can do this by searching for the record using the relevant transaction code or report.
  Modify the Entry: If the record already exists and you need to update it, use the appropriate transaction to modify the existing record instead of trying to create a new one.
  Data Cleansing: If you are migrating data, ensure that your data is cleansed and duplicates are removed before the import process.
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings to ensure that they are set up correctly to prevent duplicates where necessary.
  Error Handling in Uploads: If you are using a data upload tool (like LSMW or BAPIs), ensure that you have proper error handling in place to manage duplicates.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may use transaction codes like BP (Business Partner), XD01 (Create Customer), or MK01 (Create Vendor) to manage entries.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Logs and Traces: Review application logs or traces to get more context on when and why the error is occurring.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for the specific module you are working with to understand the constraints and requirements for data entries.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.