How To Fix FICORE056 - Account creation not possible since a cost element already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FICORE - FI Message Class for General Messages

• Message number: 056

• Message text: Account creation not possible since a cost element already exists

What causes this issue?

You are trying to create a G/L accounts for which a secondary cost
element has probably been created. It is not possible in such cases to
create a G/L account with the same number.

System Response

The program cannot create a G/L account with this number.

How to fix this error?

Check the G/L account you are using and correct it as required.
If the G/L account number is correct, check whether a cost element has
been created with the same number and test which cost element type was
used. You might need to use new numbers here. If the existing cost
element is a primary cost element, the relevant tables are incorrect,
because primary cost elements should only be created with existing G/L
accounts.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FICORE056 - Account creation not possible since a cost element already exists ?

  The SAP error message FICORE056 indicates that an attempt to create a new cost element has failed because a cost element with the same characteristics already exists in the system. This typically occurs in the context of financial accounting and controlling modules where cost elements are used to categorize costs.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when:
  
  You are trying to create a cost element that has the same number or characteristics (such as the same cost element type) as an existing cost element.
  The system enforces uniqueness for cost elements, meaning that no two cost elements can have the same identifier.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Cost Elements:
  
  Use transaction code KA03 (Display Cost Element) to check if the cost element you are trying to create already exists.
  If it does exist, you may need to use that existing cost element instead of creating a new one.
  
  
  
  Modify Existing Cost Element:
  
  If the existing cost element does not meet your requirements, consider modifying it instead of creating a new one. You can use transaction code KA02 (Change Cost Element) to make necessary adjustments.
  
  
  
  Use a Different Identifier:
  
  If you need to create a new cost element, ensure that you are using a unique identifier that does not conflict with existing cost elements.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review your organization's documentation or SAP guidelines regarding cost element creation to ensure compliance with naming conventions and other requirements.
  
  
  
  Check Authorization:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify cost elements in the system.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Cost Element Types: Understand the different types of cost elements (primary and secondary) and their purposes in the SAP system.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  KA01: Create Cost Element
  KA02: Change Cost Element
  KA03: Display Cost Element
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help Portal for detailed information on cost element management and error handling.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the FICORE056 error and successfully manage cost elements in your SAP system.