How To Fix GI544 - The document number already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GI - FI-SL update

• Message number: 544

• Message text: The document number already exists

What causes this issue?

The external document number you entered has already been assigned.

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?

Please check your entry.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GI544 - The document number already exists ?

  The SAP error message GI544, which states "The document number already exists," typically occurs during the posting of a document in SAP, such as a goods movement or an invoice. This error indicates that the system has detected a duplicate document number that already exists in the database.
  Causes:
  
  Duplicate Document Number: The most common cause is that the document number you are trying to use has already been assigned to another document in the system.
  Number Range Issues: If the number range for the document type is not set up correctly, it may lead to conflicts where the same number is being generated or used.
  Manual Entry Errors: Users may inadvertently enter a document number that has already been used.
  System Configuration: Incorrect configuration in the document type settings or number range settings can lead to this error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Existing Documents: Verify if the document number you are trying to use already exists in the system. You can do this by searching for the document in the relevant transaction (e.g., MB03 for material documents).
  Use a Different Document Number: If the document number is indeed in use, you will need to use a different, unique document number for your transaction.
  Review Number Range Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code SNRO to check the number range object related to the document type you are working with.
  Ensure that the number range is correctly defined and that it allows for the creation of new document numbers.
  
  
  Adjust Document Type Settings: If necessary, review the settings for the document type in transaction code OBA7 or OBA5 to ensure that the number range is correctly assigned and configured.
  Consult with SAP Basis or Functional Team: If you are unable to resolve the issue, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis or functional team to investigate further, especially if it appears to be a system-wide issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MB01 (Goods Movement), MIRO (Invoice Verification), and MB03 (Display Material Document) to navigate and troubleshoot effectively.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional guidance or patches that may address known issues.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files for more detailed explanations of document types and number ranges.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the GI544 error and implement a solution to resolve it.