How To Fix ERP_SALES_LCM016 - Reference customer &1 does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ERP_SALES_LCM - Messages for Lean Customer and Customer Fact Sheet

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Reference customer &1 does not exist

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ERP_SALES_LCM016 - Reference customer &1 does not exist ?

  The SAP error message ERP_SALES_LCM016, which states "Reference customer &1 does not exist," typically occurs in the context of sales order processing or customer-related transactions. This error indicates that the system is unable to find a customer record in the database that corresponds to the reference customer number provided (denoted by &1).
  Cause:
  
  Non-Existent Customer: The reference customer number provided does not exist in the customer master data.
  Incorrect Customer Number: There may be a typographical error in the customer number entered.
  Customer Deactivation: The customer may have been deactivated or deleted from the system.
  Data Synchronization Issues: If the system is integrated with other systems, there may be synchronization issues leading to missing customer data.
  Incorrect Sales Area: The customer may not exist in the specific sales area (Sales Organization, Distribution Channel, Division) being referenced.
  
  Solution:
  
  Verify Customer Number: Check the customer number for any typographical errors. Ensure that the correct customer number is being used.
  Check Customer Master Data: Use transaction code XD03 (Display Customer) or VD03 (Display Customer - Sales Area) to verify if the customer exists in the system. If the customer does not exist, you may need to create it using transaction code XD01 (Create Customer) or VD01 (Create Customer - Sales Area).
  Check Customer Status: Ensure that the customer is active and not marked for deletion. You can check the status in the customer master data.
  Review Sales Area: Ensure that the customer is set up in the correct sales area. If the sales area is incorrect, you may need to create or modify the customer record accordingly.
  Data Synchronization: If your SAP system is integrated with other systems (like CRM or third-party applications), ensure that the customer data is synchronized across all systems.
  Consult with IT Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consult with your IT support team or SAP Basis team for further investigation.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as XD03, VD03, XD01, and VD01 for customer master data management.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to view or create customer records in the system.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for more detailed information on customer master data management and error handling.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement the appropriate solution.