M8746 - Assignment to PO item is not unique

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M8 - Invoice Verification/Valuation

• Message number: 746

• Message text: Assignment to PO item is not unique

What causes this issue?

The selection using criteria delivery note &V1& and supplier &V2& is
ambiguous. There are two possible causes for this error:
More than one delivery note &V1& exists for supplier &V2& OR
The selected purchase order contains the material in more than one item.

How to fix this error?

The PO number and PO item number cannot be determined uniquely. For this
reason, the system must transfer this data to the IDoc in segment
E1EDP02 / Qualifier 002.
If you are using a SOA message, you must transfer the PO number in the
PurchaseOrderReference-ID field, and the PO item number in the
PurchaseOrderReference-ItemID field.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M8746 - Assignment to PO item is not unique ?

  The SAP error message M8746, "Assignment to PO item is not unique," typically occurs when there is an attempt to assign a goods movement or an invoice to a purchase order (PO) item, but the system finds multiple PO items that match the criteria, leading to ambiguity. This can happen in various scenarios, such as during goods receipt, invoice verification, or when trying to create a delivery.
  Causes:
  
  Multiple PO Items: There are multiple purchase order items that match the criteria of the goods movement or invoice, making it unclear which PO item should be assigned.
  Incorrect PO Item Number: The PO item number being referenced may not be unique due to similar item descriptions or other attributes.
  Incomplete or Incorrect Data: The data being processed may be incomplete or incorrect, leading to multiple matches in the system.
  PO Item Status: The status of the PO items may not allow for the assignment (e.g., if they are already fully delivered or invoiced).
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check PO Items: Review the purchase order items to identify if there are indeed multiple items that match the criteria. You can do this by checking the PO in the SAP system (using transaction codes like ME23N).
  Specify Unique Criteria: When processing the goods movement or invoice, ensure that you are providing enough unique information to identify the specific PO item. This may include specifying the item number, quantity, or other relevant details.
  Adjust PO Items: If there are duplicate items that are causing the issue, consider adjusting the purchase order to consolidate or clarify the items.
  Review Document Flow: Check the document flow for the PO to ensure that there are no inconsistencies or errors in the previous transactions that could lead to this issue.
  Consult with SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME23N (Display Purchase Order), MIGO (Goods Movement), and MIRO (Invoice Verification) to navigate and troubleshoot effectively.
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to error M8746 for any specific patches or updates that may address the issue.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or user manuals for guidance on handling purchase orders and goods movements to ensure compliance with best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the M8746 error and ensure that your goods movements and invoices are correctly assigned to the appropriate purchase order items.