How To Fix COM_ALTER_IDENT042 - Caution: ID &1 is used more than once; product &2 product type &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_ALTER_IDENT - Messages for Alternative Identifiers

• Message number: 042

• Message text: Caution: ID &1 is used more than once; product &2 product type &3

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 COM_ALTER_IDENT042 - Caution: ID &1 is used more than once; product &2 product type &3 ?

  The SAP error message COM_ALTER_IDENT042 indicates that there is a duplicate identifier issue in the system. Specifically, it means that the identifier (ID) specified in the message is being used more than once for the same product type and product. This can lead to confusion and inconsistencies in data processing.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entries: The most common cause of this error is that the same identifier has been assigned to multiple entries in the system, which violates the uniqueness constraint for that identifier.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system or if there have been bulk uploads, it is possible that duplicates were introduced during this process.
  Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings or manual errors during the setup of products or identifiers can also lead to this issue.
  
  Solution:
  
  Identify Duplicates: Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to query the relevant database tables and identify where the duplicate IDs are being used. Look for the specific product and product type mentioned in the error message.
  Correct the Data: Once you have identified the duplicates, you will need to decide how to resolve them. This could involve:
  
  Deleting the duplicate entries if they are not needed.
  Modifying the identifiers to ensure they are unique.
  Merging records if applicable.
  
  
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings for the products and identifiers to ensure that they are set up correctly and that there are no rules or settings that could lead to duplicates.
  Data Validation: Implement data validation checks to prevent duplicates from being created in the future. This could involve setting up unique constraints in the database or adding validation logic in the application layer.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SE16 (Data Browser), SE11 (Data Dictionary), and SE78 (SAP ArchiveLink) to help you navigate and manage data.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to product management and identifiers to understand the expected behavior and constraints.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance, providing them with the details of the error message and the steps you have already taken.