How To Fix EL424 - Device: &1 Reg. &2: Several meter readings with same meter reading time

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EL - IS-U meter reading data processing

• Message number: 424

• Message text: Device: &1 Reg. &2: Several meter readings with same meter reading time

What causes this issue?

The meter reading result was not saved as this would mean that several
meter readings would exist for the same time on the same day. This is
not possible for billing related reasons and therefore billing is
terminated.

System Response

This is dealt with automatically if it concerns meter reading reasons,
for which the meter reading time is assigned by the system.

How to fix this error?

Ensure that a register does not have more than one meter reading in the
system for any given meter reading time.
The following procedures exist for the different meter reading reasons:
Meter reading reasons, for which the system assigns meter reading times
automatically
Meter reading reasons, for which the system does not assign meter
reading times. The person responsible must decide the sequence in which
the meter reading reasons are entered.

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 EL424 - Device: &1 Reg. &2: Several meter readings with same meter reading time ?

  The SAP error message EL424 indicates that there are multiple meter readings recorded for the same meter reading time for a specific device and registration point. This situation can occur in the context of utility billing and meter data management, where each meter reading should ideally be unique for a given time period.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entries: The most common cause of this error is the presence of duplicate meter readings for the same device and registration point at the same timestamp.
  Data Import Issues: If meter readings are imported from an external system, there may be issues with the data import process that lead to duplicates.
  Manual Entry Errors: If meter readings are entered manually, there may be human errors leading to the same reading being recorded multiple times.
  System Configuration: Incorrect configuration in the SAP system regarding how meter readings are processed or validated can also lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Identify Duplicates: Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to query the relevant database tables (e.g., ELMETERREADING) to identify duplicate entries for the same device and reading time.
  Data Correction: Once duplicates are identified, you can either delete the redundant entries or correct them to ensure that only one valid reading exists for each timestamp.
  Review Data Import Processes: If the readings are imported from an external system, review the import logic to ensure it prevents duplicates from being created.
  Implement Validation Rules: Set up validation rules in the SAP system to check for existing readings before allowing new entries to be saved.
  User Training: If manual entry is a factor, provide training to users on how to correctly enter meter readings to avoid duplicates.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as EL31 (Display Meter Reading) and EL30 (Create Meter Reading) for managing meter readings.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to meter reading processing that might address this error.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on meter reading management to understand best practices and system configurations that can help prevent this issue.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the duplicates and implementing preventive measures, you can resolve the EL424 error and maintain accurate meter reading records in your SAP system.