How To Fix J#420 - Short description &1 already exists for another due date period

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: J# -

• Message number: 420

• Message text: Short description &1 already exists for another due date period

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message J#420 - Short description &1 already exists for another due date period ?

  The SAP error message J#420 indicates that there is a duplicate entry for a short description in the system for a different due date period. This typically occurs in the context of financial or logistics modules where specific entries are expected to be unique for a given period.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by attempting to create or modify an entry (such as a billing document, invoice, or other financial records) that has the same short description as an existing entry for a different due date period. This can happen due to:
  
  Data Entry Errors: Users may inadvertently try to enter the same short description for different periods.
  Configuration Issues: The system may be configured to enforce uniqueness on short descriptions across different periods, leading to this error.
  Duplicate Records: There may be existing records that were not properly managed or cleaned up, leading to conflicts.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Entries: Review the existing entries in the system to identify the record that is causing the conflict. You can do this by searching for the short description in the relevant transaction or report.
  
  
  Modify the Short Description: If you find that the short description is indeed duplicated, consider modifying the new entry to have a unique short description that does not conflict with existing records.
  
  
  Adjust Configuration: If the uniqueness constraint is not necessary, you may need to review the configuration settings in the system to determine if the requirement for unique short descriptions can be adjusted.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling this error in the context of your specific module (e.g., FI, CO, MM).
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the module, you may use transaction codes like FB60 (Enter Incoming Invoice), FB70 (Enter Outgoing Invoice), or others relevant to your context to check for existing entries.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to enter data correctly to avoid duplication issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.