How To Fix E2137 - Value '&' already exists; enter a different value

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E2 - DE Data Dictionary

• Message number: 137

• Message text: Value '&' already exists; enter a different value

What causes this issue?

You have entered as an existing value as domain value. It
does not make sense to define a value more than once as a domain value.

System Response

The duplicate value is not accepted by the system.

How to fix this error?

Remove the duplicate value.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message E2137 - Value '&' already exists; enter a different value ?

  The SAP error message E2137, which states "Value '&' already exists; enter a different value," typically occurs when you are trying to enter a value in a field that must be unique, but the value you are trying to enter already exists in the system. This can happen in various contexts, such as when creating new records for master data (like customers, vendors, materials, etc.) or when entering data in configuration settings.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The most common cause is that the value you are trying to enter already exists in the database. For example, if you are trying to create a new customer with an ID that is already assigned to another customer.
  Unique Constraints: The field you are trying to populate has a unique constraint, meaning that no two records can have the same value in that field.
  Data Migration Issues: If you are migrating data from another system or performing a bulk upload, you might encounter this error if the data being uploaded contains duplicates.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Values: Before entering a new value, check the existing records to see if the value you want to use is already in the system. You can do this by searching for the value in the relevant transaction or table.
  Use a Different Value: If the value already exists, you will need to enter a different, unique value that does not conflict with existing records.
  Data Cleanup: If you are performing a data migration or bulk upload, ensure that your data is cleaned up and does not contain duplicates before attempting to upload it to SAP.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the constraints of the field, consult the SAP documentation or the data model to understand the requirements for that specific field.
  Error Handling in Uploads: If you are using tools like LSMW or BAPIs for data uploads, implement error handling to catch and resolve duplicate entries before they cause issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on where you encounter this error, you may be using different transaction codes (e.g., XD01 for customer creation, MK01 for vendor creation, etc.).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to this error message.
  Field Characteristics: Review the characteristics of the field in the data dictionary (SE11) to understand its constraints and properties.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the E2137 error and successfully enter the required data into SAP.