How To Fix F5690 - Item can only be changed in the external system

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: F5 - Document Editing

• Message number: 690

• Message text: Item can only be changed in the external system

What causes this issue?

All items in this G/L account will be transferred individually into the
central system. This means that it will not be possible to change any
data in the local system after this transfer has taken place.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Change this item in the appropriate document in the central system.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message F5690 - Item can only be changed in the external system ?

  The SAP error message F5690, which states "Item can only be changed in the external system," typically occurs in scenarios where SAP is integrated with an external system (such as a third-party application or a different ERP system) for managing certain data. This error indicates that the item you are trying to modify is controlled or managed externally, and any changes must be made in that external system rather than directly in SAP.
  Causes:
  
  Integration with External Systems: The item is linked to an external system (like a CRM, SCM, or another ERP) that manages its data.
  Data Ownership: The data ownership is defined in such a way that changes can only be made in the external system to maintain data integrity.
  Configuration Settings: The configuration in SAP may restrict changes to certain fields or items that are synchronized with external systems.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Modify in External System: Identify the external system managing the item and make the necessary changes there. After making changes, ensure that the data is synchronized back to SAP if required.
  Check Integration Settings: Review the integration settings between SAP and the external system to understand the data flow and ownership. This may involve checking middleware or integration tools used.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the documentation of the external system to understand how to make changes and what data can be modified.
  Contact Support: If you are unsure about how to proceed, consider reaching out to your IT support team or the support team for the external system for guidance.
  Review User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes in the external system, as this could also be a reason for the error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Integration Tools: Familiarize yourself with the integration tools being used (like SAP PI/PO, SAP Cloud Platform Integration, etc.) to understand how data is exchanged between systems.
  Data Synchronization: Understand how data synchronization is set up between SAP and the external system, including any scheduled jobs or triggers that may affect data updates.
  Error Logs: Check error logs in both SAP and the external system for more detailed information about the issue.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the processes for managing data across systems to avoid confusion and errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the F5690 error effectively.