How To Fix KO238 - Order number may not contain special characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KO - Master data for CO orders

• Message number: 238

• Message text: Order number may not contain special characters

What causes this issue?

You have entered an order number which includes a prohibited character
(for example '*').

How to fix this error?

Enter an order number which does not include any prohibited characters.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KO238 - Order number may not contain special characters ?

  The SAP error message KO238, which states "Order number may not contain special characters," typically occurs when you are trying to enter an order number that includes characters that are not allowed by the system. This can happen in various SAP modules, particularly in the context of production orders, sales orders, or other types of order management.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when the order number you are trying to input contains special characters such as:
  
  Symbols (e.g., @, #, $, %, &, *, etc.)
  Spaces
  Punctuation marks (e.g., !, ?, ., /, etc.)
  
  SAP has specific rules regarding the format of order numbers, and these rules often restrict the use of special characters to ensure data integrity and consistency.
  Solution:
  To resolve the KO238 error, you should:
  
  
  Check the Order Number: Review the order number you are trying to enter and ensure it only contains valid characters. Typically, valid characters include:
  
  Alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9)
  Underscores (_) or hyphens (-) may be allowed depending on the configuration.
  
  
  
  Modify the Input: If the order number contains any special characters, remove or replace them with valid characters. For example, if your order number is "ORD#123", change it to "ORD123".
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the valid format for order numbers in your specific SAP environment, consult your organization's SAP documentation or guidelines.
  
  
  Check Configuration: If you believe the order number should be accepted but it is still being rejected, check with your SAP administrator or technical team to see if there are any custom validations or configurations that might be affecting the order number format.
  
  
  Test with a New Order: If you continue to experience issues, try creating a new order with a simple, valid order number to see if the problem persists.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: You can search for SAP Notes related to error KO238 in the SAP Support Portal for any updates or patches that might address this issue.
  User Training: Ensure that users entering order numbers are trained on the acceptable formats to prevent this error from occurring frequently.
  System Configuration: If your organization has specific requirements for order number formats, consider documenting these requirements and configuring the system accordingly.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the KO238 error and successfully enter valid order numbers in SAP.