How To Fix FS888 - External system returned different number of items: Input &1 <> Output &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FS - Messages from Tax Routines / Prenumbered Checks

• Message number: 888

• Message text: External system returned different number of items: Input &1 <> Output &2

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FS888 - External system returned different number of items: Input &1 <> Output &2 ?

  The SAP error message FS888 indicates a mismatch between the number of items expected by the system and the number of items returned by an external system during a data exchange process. This error typically occurs in scenarios involving integration with external systems, such as when processing financial transactions, data imports, or interfacing with third-party applications.
  Cause:
  
  
  Data Mismatch: The external system may have sent a different number of records than what SAP expected. This could be due to:
  
  Incorrect data extraction or transformation in the external system.
  Network issues causing incomplete data transmission.
  Configuration errors in the interface settings.
  
  
  
  Configuration Issues: The mapping or configuration settings in the integration process may not align correctly, leading to discrepancies in the expected and actual data.
  
  
  Business Logic Errors: There may be business rules or logic in the external system that result in a different number of items being processed or sent.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check External System Logs: Review the logs of the external system to identify any errors or warnings that may indicate why the number of items sent differs from what SAP expected.
  
  
  Validate Data Mapping: Ensure that the data mapping between the external system and SAP is correctly configured. This includes checking the fields being sent and received.
  
  
  Test Data Transmission: Perform a test run of the data transmission to see if the issue can be replicated. This can help identify if the problem is consistent or intermittent.
  
  
  Adjust Configuration: If the configuration settings in SAP or the external system are incorrect, make the necessary adjustments to ensure that both systems are aligned in terms of data expectations.
  
  
  Error Handling: Implement error handling mechanisms in the integration process to manage discrepancies in data counts more gracefully.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review the relevant SAP documentation or integration guidelines for any specific requirements or constraints related to the data exchange process.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may want to check transaction codes like SLG1 (Application Log) to view logs related to the error.
  Integration Tools: If you are using middleware (like SAP PI/PO, SAP CPI, etc.), check the configuration and logs in those tools as well.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide patches related to this error message.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your technical team for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the FS888 error and implement a solution to resolve it.