How To Fix EK021 - Additional reference &1 does not exist for contract &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EK - IS-U Accounts Receivable and Payable

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Additional reference &1 does not exist for contract &2

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EK021 - Additional reference &1 does not exist for contract &2 ?

  The SAP error message EK021, which states "Additional reference &1 does not exist for contract &2," typically occurs in the context of purchasing and contract management within the SAP system. This error indicates that the system is unable to find a specified additional reference (such as a purchase order or another contract) that is supposed to be linked to the specified contract.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Reference: The additional reference (e.g., a purchase order number) that you are trying to use does not exist in the system.
  Incorrect Data Entry: There may be a typo or incorrect entry in the reference field.
  Data Deletion: The referenced document may have been deleted or archived, making it unavailable for the current contract.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to view the referenced document.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the system that are preventing the reference from being recognized.
  
  Solution:
  
  Verify the Reference: Check the additional reference number (e.g., purchase order number) for accuracy. Ensure that it is correctly entered and exists in the system.
  Check Document Status: Ensure that the referenced document is not deleted or archived. You can do this by searching for the document in the relevant transaction (e.g., ME23N for purchase orders).
  Review Contract Details: Go to the contract in question (using transaction ME33K) and verify that the additional reference is correctly assigned.
  User Authorization: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the referenced document. This may require coordination with your SAP security team.
  Consult with SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME33K (Display Contract), ME23N (Display Purchase Order), and ME31K (Create Contract).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any updates or patches that may address this specific error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to contract management and purchasing processes for best practices and troubleshooting steps.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the EK021 error and implement a solution to resolve it.