How To Fix ISU_UIL020 - The reference product &1 with characteristic &2 already exists.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ISU_UIL - Message class for UPIL

• Message number: 020

• Message text: The reference product &1 with characteristic &2 already exists.

What causes this issue?

The combination of the reference product and the characteristic is a
key.

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?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ISU_UIL020 - The reference product &1 with characteristic &2 already exists. ?

  The SAP error message ISU_UIL020 indicates that there is an attempt to create or modify a reference product in the SAP IS-U (Utilities) module, but a product with the same characteristic already exists in the system. This typically occurs when you are trying to create a new reference product that has the same key characteristics as an existing one, which violates the uniqueness constraint for that characteristic.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The primary cause of this error is that the reference product you are trying to create or modify already exists in the system with the same characteristic value.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been an error in data entry, leading to the attempt to create a duplicate product.
  Configuration Issue: The system may not be configured correctly to allow for the creation of multiple products with similar characteristics.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Products: Before creating a new reference product, check the existing products in the system to see if one already exists with the same characteristic. You can do this by using transaction codes like ISU_PRODUCT or relevant reports.
  Modify Existing Product: If a product with the same characteristic already exists, consider modifying that product instead of creating a new one.
  Change Characteristic Values: If you need to create a new product, ensure that the characteristic values you are using are unique and do not match any existing products.
  Consult Documentation: Review the SAP documentation or configuration settings related to reference products and characteristics to ensure that you are following the correct procedures.
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP IS-U, such as ISU_PRODUCT, ISU_REF_PRODUCT, or others that pertain to product management.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional insights or patches that may address the issue.
  Customization: Review any customizations in your SAP environment that may affect how reference products and their characteristics are managed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.