How To Fix IP337 - You can choose between an internal and an external number

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IP - Messages for preventive maintenance

• Message number: 337

• Message text: You can choose between an internal and an external number

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

When you create a maintenance plan, you can choose between
- internal number assignment
- external number assignment (numerical)
- external number assignment (alphanumerical)
You can display the number ranges allowed in Customizing with
-> Logistics -> Plant maintenance -> PM planning -> Maintenance plans
-> MaintPlanNo.Range

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IP337 - You can choose between an internal and an external number ?

  The SAP error message IP337 indicates that when creating or processing a maintenance order, the system is prompting the user to choose between an internal number and an external number for the order number. This typically occurs in the context of maintenance planning and order management within the SAP system.
  Cause:
  The error arises when the system is configured to allow both internal and external number assignment for maintenance orders, but it requires the user to specify which type of number they want to use. This can happen due to the following reasons:
  
  The number range settings for maintenance orders are configured to allow both internal and external number assignment.
  The user has not specified a preference for the type of number to be used when creating the order.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the IP337 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Choose Number Type: When prompted by the error message, you need to explicitly choose whether you want to use an internal number or an external number. 
  
  If you want the system to automatically generate a number, select the internal number option.
  If you want to specify a number manually, select the external number option and enter the desired number.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration: If you frequently encounter this error and it disrupts your workflow, consider reviewing the configuration settings for number ranges in the SAP system:
  
  Go to the transaction code SNRO (Number Range Objects) and check the settings for the maintenance order number range.
  Ensure that the settings align with your organization's requirements for number assignment.
  
  
  
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to handle number assignments when creating maintenance orders. They should be aware of the options available and how to select the appropriate one.
  
  
  System Customization: If necessary, consult with your SAP administrator or technical team to customize the system behavior. For example, you might want to restrict the number assignment to only internal numbers if that fits your business process better.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as IW31 (Create Order), IW32 (Change Order), and IW33 (Display Order) for managing maintenance orders.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on number range management and maintenance order processing.
  Support: If the issue persists or if you need further assistance, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IP337 error and streamline your maintenance order processing in SAP.