How To Fix COWIPB504 - Purchase order &1/&2 already references &4 &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COWIPB - Messages for WIP Batch

• Message number: 504

• Message text: Purchase order &1/&2 already references &4 &3

What causes this issue?

An original batch has already been created for a PO item. You have
attempted to create another original batch for the same PO item.

System Response

An error message is issued. It is not possible to assign more than one
original batch to a PO item.

How to fix this error?

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

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COWIPB504 - Purchase order &1/&2 already references &4 &3 ?

  The SAP error message COWIPB504 indicates that a purchase order (PO) is attempting to reference a material document that has already been linked to another purchase order. This typically occurs in the context of inventory management and procurement processes within SAP.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  You are trying to create or modify a purchase order that references a material document (like a goods receipt) that is already associated with a different purchase order.
  This can happen if there are multiple purchase orders for the same material and the system is trying to prevent double referencing of the same material document.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing References:
  
  Use transaction codes like ME23N (Display Purchase Order) or MB03 (Display Material Document) to check which purchase order is already referencing the material document in question.
  Identify the purchase order and material document combination that is causing the conflict.
  
  
  
  Modify the Purchase Order:
  
  If you need to reference the same material document, consider whether you can adjust your purchase order to reference a different material document or create a new purchase order if appropriate.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of changing references, consult with your procurement or inventory management team to ensure that the changes align with business processes.
  
  
  
  Check for System Configuration:
  
  In some cases, the error may be related to system configuration or settings. Consult with your SAP Basis or technical team to ensure that the system is configured correctly for handling purchase orders and material documents.
  
  
  
  Review Documentation:
  
  Review any relevant documentation or guidelines within your organization regarding the handling of purchase orders and material documents to ensure compliance with internal processes.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), ME23N (Display Purchase Order), MB1A (Goods Withdrawal), and MB1B (Transfer Posting).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide additional context or solutions for specific scenarios.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify purchase orders and that your user role is set up correctly in the SAP system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.