How To Fix ME217 - External number assignment not defined for document type &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 217

• Message text: External number assignment not defined for document type &

What causes this issue?

An external <GL:number_range>number range</> is not defined
for this <GL:document_type>document type</>.

How to fix this error?

Leave the field empty.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME217 - External number assignment not defined for document type & ?

  The SAP error message ME217, which states "External number assignment not defined for document type &," typically occurs when you are trying to create a purchasing document (like a purchase order) using an external number range, but the system is not configured to allow external number assignment for that specific document type.
  Cause:
  
  Number Range Configuration: The document type you are trying to use (e.g., Purchase Order, Purchase Requisition) is set up to use internal number assignment, but you are attempting to create it with an external number.
  Document Type Settings: The settings for the document type in the configuration may not have been properly defined to allow external number assignment.
  Missing Number Range: There may not be a defined external number range for the document type in question.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Number Range Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code SNRO (Number Range Objects).
  Look for the relevant number range object associated with the document type (e.g., EKKO for Purchase Orders).
  Check if there is an external number range defined for the document type.
  
  
  
  Define External Number Range:
  
  If an external number range is not defined, you can create one:
  
  Go to transaction code OMH6 (or SPRO -> Materials Management -> Purchasing -> Purchase Order -> Define Number Ranges for Purchase Orders).
  Select the document type you are working with.
  Define a new external number range if it does not exist.
  
  
  
  
  
  Change Document Type Settings:
  
  If you want to use internal number assignment instead, you can change the document type settings to use internal number assignment.
  This can also be done in the same configuration area where you defined the number ranges.
  
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to create documents with the specified document type.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the creation of the document again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SNRO: Number Range Objects
  OMH6: Define Number Ranges for Purchase Orders
  SPRO: SAP Reference IMG (Implementation Guide)
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed steps on configuring number ranges and document types.
  
  
  Support: If the issue persists after checking the configurations, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis or functional team for further assistance.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ME217 error and successfully create the purchasing document.