How To Fix IHC314 - External reference &1 &2 &3 is not unique

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IHC - IHC Messages

• Message number: 314

• Message text: External reference &1 &2 &3 is not unique

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 IHC314 - External reference &1 &2 &3 is not unique ?

  The SAP error message IHC314, which states "External reference &1 &2 &3 is not unique," typically occurs in the context of the SAP Intercompany Financial Management (IHC) module. This error indicates that there is a problem with the uniqueness of an external reference in the system, which is crucial for processing intercompany transactions.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following reasons:
  
  Duplicate External References: The external reference (which could be a document number, invoice number, or any identifier) is not unique across the relevant tables or records in the system. This can happen if the same reference is used for multiple transactions.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the intercompany settings, leading to conflicts in how external references are handled.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual data entry errors can lead to the same external reference being entered multiple times.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the IHC314 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check for Duplicates:
  
  Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to check the relevant database tables (e.g., BKPF, BSEG) for the external reference in question. Look for any duplicate entries that may exist.
  
  
  
  Correct the Data:
  
  If duplicates are found, you may need to correct the data by either changing the external reference in the transactions or removing the duplicates if they are erroneous.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings for intercompany transactions in the SAP system. Ensure that the settings for external references are correctly defined to avoid conflicts.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to the IHC module for any specific guidelines or updates that may address this issue.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking for duplicates and reviewing configurations, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance. They may provide insights based on the specific version of SAP you are using.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE16 (Data Browser), SE11 (Data Dictionary), and others that may help in troubleshooting.
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to IHC314 in the SAP Support Portal, as there may be specific patches or updates that address this error.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the IHC314 error and implement a solution to resolve it.