How To Fix IDOC_ADAPTER208 - IDoc adapter: IDoc &1 exists twice in IDoc XML

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IDOC_ADAPTER - Messages for the IDoc Adapter

• Message number: 208

• Message text: IDoc adapter: IDoc &1 exists twice in IDoc XML

What causes this issue?

IDoc adapter outbox: IDoc & exists twice in the XML IDoc.

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?

Two IDocs with the same IDoc number exist in the XML IDoc. Check the
XML IDoc and edit, if necessary.

Procedure for System Administrators

Contact your system administrator.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IDOC_ADAPTER208 - IDoc adapter: IDoc &1 exists twice in IDoc XML ?

  The SAP error message IDOC_ADAPTER208 indicates that there is a problem with the IDoc XML structure, specifically that an IDoc with the same identifier exists more than once in the XML. This can lead to confusion in processing the IDoc, as each IDoc should have a unique identifier.
  Cause:
  The error typically arises from one of the following scenarios:
  
  
  Duplicate IDoc Entries: The IDoc XML being processed contains multiple entries for the same IDoc number or identifier. This can happen due to incorrect data generation or issues in the system that creates the IDocs.
  
  
  Incorrect Mapping: If there is a mapping issue in the middleware (like SAP PI/PO), it might lead to the same IDoc being sent multiple times or being incorrectly formatted.
  
  
  Data Duplication: The source system might be sending duplicate data, leading to the generation of IDocs with the same identifier.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the IDOC_ADAPTER208 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check IDoc XML: Review the IDoc XML structure to identify where the duplicate IDoc entries are occurring. You can use tools like SAP PI/PO monitoring or XML viewers to inspect the IDoc.
  
  
  Identify Source of Duplication: Determine the source of the duplicate IDoc entries. This could involve checking the application that generates the IDocs or reviewing the data flow in your middleware.
  
  
  Correct Data Generation: If the duplication is due to incorrect data generation, ensure that the system generating the IDocs is configured correctly to avoid sending duplicates.
  
  
  Adjust Mapping: If the issue is related to mapping in SAP PI/PO, review the mapping logic to ensure that it correctly handles IDoc generation and does not produce duplicates.
  
  
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in your middleware to catch and log duplicate IDocs before they are sent for processing.
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the issue is resolved and that no duplicates are being generated.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  IDoc Structure: Understanding the structure of IDocs and how they are generated can help in troubleshooting issues related to duplicates.
  SAP PI/PO Monitoring: Use the monitoring tools available in SAP PI/PO to track IDoc processing and identify where duplicates may be occurring.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues related to IDoc processing and duplicates.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on IDocs and the IDoc adapter for best practices in IDoc handling and error resolution.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the IDOC_ADAPTER208 error effectively.