How To Fix CNV_20700087 - Old material number cannot be initial for new material number: &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CNV_20700 - Material number conversion

• Message number: 087

• Message text: Old material number cannot be initial for new material number: &1

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CNV_20700087 - Old material number cannot be initial for new material number: &1 ?

  The SAP error message CNV_20700087 indicates that there is an issue with the conversion of material numbers during a data migration or conversion process. Specifically, the error states that the "Old material number cannot be initial for new material number: &1." This typically occurs in scenarios where you are trying to migrate or convert materials from one system to another, and there is a requirement that the old material number must not be empty (initial) when creating a new material number.
  Cause:
  
  Empty Old Material Number: The primary cause of this error is that the old material number field is empty (initial) for a record that is being processed. The system expects a valid old material number to be provided when creating a new material number.
  Data Mapping Issues: There may be issues in the data mapping or transformation rules that are being applied during the migration process, leading to the old material number not being populated correctly.
  Configuration Issues: There could be configuration settings in the migration tool or the SAP system that are not set up correctly, leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Source: Review the source data to ensure that all records have valid old material numbers. If any records have an empty old material number, you will need to populate them with the correct values.
  Data Mapping: Verify the data mapping rules in the migration tool. Ensure that the old material number is being correctly mapped from the source system to the target system.
  Update Migration Logic: If you are using a custom migration program or tool, you may need to update the logic to handle cases where the old material number is empty. This could involve adding validation checks or default values.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the documentation for the specific migration tool or process you are using (e.g., SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit, LSMW, etc.) to understand the requirements for material number conversion.
  Testing: After making the necessary changes, perform a test migration with a small subset of data to ensure that the issue is resolved before proceeding with a full migration.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional insights or solutions related to this error message.
  Migration Tools: Familiarize yourself with the specific migration tools you are using, as they may have specific requirements or configurations that need to be addressed.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the error and ensuring that all necessary data is correctly populated, you should be able to resolve the CNV_20700087 error and successfully complete the material number conversion process.