How To Fix IM541 - The sort number is not unique

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IM - Maintenance notifications

• Message number: 541

• Message text: The sort number is not unique

What causes this issue?

The sort number for processed tasks, activities, items or causes is not
unique.

System Response

The system cancels the modification or creation of the notification.

How to fix this error?

Assign unique sort numbers for tasks, activities, items or causes.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IM541 - The sort number is not unique ?

  The SAP error message IM541, which states "The sort number is not unique," typically occurs in the context of inventory management or material master data. This error indicates that there is a conflict with the sort numbers assigned to materials or inventory items, meaning that two or more items are trying to use the same sort number, which is supposed to be unique.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Sort Numbers: The most common cause of this error is that multiple materials or items have been assigned the same sort number in the system.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system or if there have been bulk uploads, it is possible that duplicates were introduced.
  Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings in the material master or inventory management settings can lead to this issue.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify Duplicates:
  
  Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to access the relevant database tables (e.g., MARA for material master) and check for duplicate sort numbers.
  You can run a query to find all entries with the same sort number.
  
  
  
  Correct the Data:
  
  Once duplicates are identified, you can either change the sort number of one of the conflicting materials or delete the duplicate entry if it is not needed.
  Ensure that each material has a unique sort number.
  
  
  
  Review Data Migration Processes:
  
  If the issue arose from a data migration, review the migration process to ensure that unique constraints are maintained.
  Implement checks to prevent duplicates during future data uploads.
  
  
  
  Configuration Check:
  
  Review the configuration settings in the material master to ensure that the sort number field is set up correctly and that there are no conflicting settings.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling sort numbers and material master data.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material) for managing material data.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that users have the appropriate roles and authorizations to make changes to material master data.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IM541 error and ensure that your sort numbers are unique across your inventory management system.