How To Fix CRD_MDA178 - External number &1 was already assigned

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CRD_MDA - Messages for Master Data Administration - Credentialing

• Message number: 178

• Message text: External number &1 was already assigned

What causes this issue?

You attempted to create an assignment for the external number range
interval&v2& . However, number &v1& is already assigned.

System Response

The incorrect assignment will not be created on the database.

How to fix this error?

Call the process to create assignments using consistent data.

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 CRD_MDA178 - External number &1 was already assigned ?

  The SAP error message CRD_MDA178, which states "External number &1 was already assigned," typically occurs in the context of number assignment for certain objects in SAP, such as customer master records, vendor master records, or other entities that require unique identifiers.
  Cause:
  The error indicates that the external number you are trying to assign (represented by &1) is already in use or has been assigned to another object in the system. This can happen due to:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The number you are trying to use has already been assigned to another record.
  Incorrect Number Range Configuration: The number range settings may not be configured correctly, leading to conflicts.
  Data Migration Issues: If data was migrated from another system, there may be overlaps in the number assignments.
  Manual Entry Errors: Users may inadvertently try to assign a number that is already in use.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Assignments:
  
  Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to check the relevant database table (e.g., KNA1 for customers, LFA1 for vendors) to see if the number is already assigned.
  You can also use transaction BP (Business Partner) to search for the existing business partner using the external number.
  
  
  
  Use a Different Number:
  
  If the number is indeed in use, consider using a different external number that is not already assigned.
  
  
  
  Review Number Range Configuration:
  
  Check the number range settings in the configuration (transaction SNRO) to ensure that the ranges are set up correctly and that there are no overlaps.
  
  
  
  Data Cleanup:
  
  If the error is due to data migration, ensure that the data is cleaned up and that there are no duplicates in the source data.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific module you are working with for any additional guidance on number assignment issues.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as BP, SE16, SNRO, and others that may help in diagnosing the issue.
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to CRD_MDA178 for any specific patches or updates that may address this error.
  Number Ranges: Understanding how number ranges work in SAP can help prevent similar issues in the future. You can find this information in the SAP Help Portal or through training materials.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.