How To Fix FKKINV016 - External line item number &3 is not unique

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FKKINV - Invoicing in Contract Accounts Receivable and Payable

• Message number: 016

• Message text: External line item number &3 is not unique

What causes this issue?

In the billing document with <DS:DE.REFDOCNO_KK>external document number
</> &v1& in <DS:DE.LOGSYS>logical system</> &v2&, the
<DS:DE.REFITEM_KK>number of the line item in the external system</> &v3&
is not unique.

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?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FKKINV016 - External line item number &3 is not unique ?

  The SAP error message FKKINV016 indicates that there is a problem with the uniqueness of an external line item number in the context of contract accounts receivable and payable (FI-CA). This error typically arises when you are trying to post an invoice or a payment that references an external line item number that is not unique within the system.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate External Line Item Numbers: The most common cause of this error is that the external line item number you are trying to use has already been assigned to another document in the system. This can happen if the same external reference is used for multiple transactions.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Manual entry errors or incorrect data imports can lead to duplicate external line item numbers.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the system that allow for duplicate entries.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check for Duplicates: 
  
  Use transaction codes like FBL5N (Customer Line Item Display) or FBL1N (Vendor Line Item Display) to search for the external line item number in question. This will help you identify if there are any existing entries with the same number.
  
  
  
  Modify the External Line Item Number: 
  
  If you find that the external line item number is indeed duplicated, you will need to modify your transaction to use a unique external line item number.
  
  
  
  Review Data Entry Processes: 
  
  Ensure that your data entry processes are robust and that there are checks in place to prevent duplicate entries. This may involve training users or implementing validation checks in your data entry forms.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration: 
  
  Review the configuration settings in the FI-CA module to ensure that they are set up correctly to handle external line item numbers. This may involve consulting with your SAP Basis or FI-CA consultant.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: 
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FBL5N, FBL1N, FB03 (Display Document), and F-28 (Post Incoming Payments) to help troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to FI-CA and external line item processing for a deeper understanding of how these elements interact.
  User Roles: Ensure that users have the appropriate roles and authorizations to create and manage external line items to prevent unauthorized or erroneous entries.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the FKKINV016 error and ensure that your external line item numbers remain unique within the SAP system.