How To Fix EI317 - External number assignment only possible with print transaction

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EI - Foreign Trade: Gen. Output

• Message number: 317

• Message text: External number assignment only possible with print transaction

What causes this issue?

You attempted to issue an output for which an external document number
assignment should be carried out, according to the print control
settings. Outputs with external number assignments can only be issued
by using the print transaction in foreign trade outputs, not by using
other methods, as was the case in this situation. These other methods
could include:

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

issuing an output as you post billing documents via send time '4'
using other print transactions
issuing an output via RSNAST00

System Response

The system cancels this attempt to issue an output.

How to fix this error?

Use the print transaction in foreign trade outputs to display or print
this output.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EI317 - External number assignment only possible with print transaction ?

  The SAP error message EI317, which states "External number assignment only possible with print transaction," typically occurs when you are trying to create or process a document that requires an external number assignment, but the system is not in the correct mode to handle that assignment.
  Cause:
  
  External Number Assignment: The error indicates that the document you are trying to create or process is set up to use external number assignment. This means that the system expects the number to be provided externally (e.g., from a pre-printed form or a manual entry).
  Transaction Type: The transaction you are using may not support external number assignment unless it is specifically a print transaction. This is common in scenarios where documents are printed and then assigned a number.
  Configuration Settings: The configuration for the document type may not be set up correctly to allow for external number assignment in the context you are using.
  
  Solution:
  
  Use the Correct Transaction: Ensure that you are using a transaction that supports external number assignment. If you are trying to create a document, make sure you are doing it through a print transaction if that is required.
  Check Document Type Configuration: Review the configuration settings for the document type you are working with. You can do this by navigating to the relevant configuration in SPRO (SAP Project Reference Object) and checking the settings for number assignment.
  Change Number Assignment Method: If external number assignment is not necessary for your process, consider changing the number assignment method to internal. This can be done in the configuration settings for the document type.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the document type and transaction you are using. This can provide insights into the expected behavior and configuration.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with the relevant transaction codes that may be involved in the process you are working on (e.g., FB60 for vendor invoices, FB70 for customer invoices).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide additional context or solutions.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform the transaction you are attempting, as this can sometimes lead to unexpected errors.
  Testing in a Sandbox: If possible, test the changes in a sandbox environment before applying them to production to ensure that the solution works as expected.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the EI317 error and proceed with your document processing in SAP.