How To Fix CRM_MKTPL185 - External ID &1 cannot be used; it has already been used

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CRM_MKTPL - CRM Marketing: Marketing Planning Messages

• Message number: 185

• Message text: External ID &1 cannot be used; it has already been used

What causes this issue?

The external ID is already used in the description of another marketing
project. To avoid data inconsistencies in SAP BW, the external ID cannot
be reused.

System Response

The external ID cannot be used; It has already been used.

How to fix this error?

Choose another external ID.

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 CRM_MKTPL185 - External ID &1 cannot be used; it has already been used ?

  The SAP error message CRM_MKTPL185 indicates that an external ID you are trying to use in the system has already been utilized for another record. This typically occurs in the context of marketing planning or campaign management within SAP CRM, where unique identifiers are required for various entities such as campaigns, marketing plans, or other related objects.
  Cause:
  
  
  Duplicate External ID: The external ID you are trying to enter is already associated with another record in the system. This could happen if:
  
  You are trying to create a new marketing plan or campaign with an ID that has already been assigned to a different plan or campaign.
  There was an error in data migration or import processes that led to duplicate entries.
  
  
  
  Data Integrity Rules: SAP enforces data integrity rules to ensure that each external ID remains unique within the context it is being used.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Records: 
  
  Use transaction codes like CRMD_ORDER or relevant reports to search for existing records that might be using the same external ID.
  Identify the record that is currently using the external ID you want to use.
  
  
  
  Use a Different External ID: 
  
  If the external ID is indeed in use, consider using a different, unique external ID for your new record.
  
  
  
  Delete or Modify Existing Record: 
  
  If the existing record using the external ID is no longer needed, you may consider deleting it or modifying it to free up the external ID. Ensure that this action does not violate any business rules or data integrity.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to marketing planning and external IDs to understand the specific constraints and requirements.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: 
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance, especially if you suspect a system error or bug.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP CRM that can help you manage marketing plans and campaigns.
  Data Migration: If this issue arose during a data migration process, review the migration scripts or tools used to ensure they enforce uniqueness for external IDs.
  Custom Development: If your organization has custom developments or enhancements in place, check if they might be affecting the handling of external IDs.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully create or modify the record you are working with.