How To Fix IS877 - Material number/serial number is not unique

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IS - Equipment management

• Message number: 877

• Message text: Material number/serial number 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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IS877 - Material number/serial number is not unique ?

  The SAP error message IS877, which states "Material number/serial number is not unique," typically occurs in scenarios where the system expects a unique combination of material number and serial number, but finds duplicates in the database. This can happen in various contexts, such as during goods movements, inventory management, or when processing sales orders.
  Causes:
  
  Duplicate Entries: The most common cause is that the same serial number has been assigned to multiple material numbers or has been entered multiple times for the same material.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Manual entry errors can lead to the same serial number being entered for different materials.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies or duplicates in the serial number assignments.
  Configuration Issues: The system may not be configured correctly to handle serial numbers, leading to conflicts.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check for Duplicates: Use transaction codes like IQ01 (Create Serial Number) or IQ02 (Change Serial Number) to check if the serial number is already assigned to another material. You can also use reports or queries to identify duplicates in the database.
  Correct Data Entry: Ensure that the serial numbers are entered correctly and are unique for each material. If duplicates are found, correct them by reassigning or deleting the incorrect entries.
  Data Cleanup: If the issue arises from data migration, perform a cleanup of the database to remove or correct duplicate entries.
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings related to serial number management in the SAP system. Ensure that the settings align with your business processes and that the system is set up to enforce uniqueness as required.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling serial numbers and material management.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as IQ01, IQ02, IQ03 (Display Serial Number), and MMBE (Stock Overview) to manage and view serial numbers.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to serial number management that may address this error.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on proper data entry practices to minimize the occurrence of this error in the future.
  System Logs: Review system logs for additional context or related errors that may provide further insight into the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IS877 error and ensure that your material and serial number management processes run smoothly.