How To Fix PA106 - CAUTION: Existing reference will be overwritten

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PA - Recruitment Messages

• Message number: 106

• Message text: CAUTION: Existing reference will be overwritten

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PA106 - CAUTION: Existing reference will be overwritten ?

  The SAP error message PA106 "CAUTION: Existing reference will be overwritten" typically occurs in the context of personnel administration when you are trying to create or modify a record that already exists in the system. This message serves as a warning that the action you are about to take will overwrite existing data, which could lead to loss of important information.
  Cause:
  
  Data Overwrite: You are attempting to enter a new record or modify an existing one, and the system detects that the record you are working on already exists. This could happen when you are trying to create a new infotype record (like a new address, job, or personal data) that overlaps with an existing record.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Sometimes, the error can arise from incorrect data entry or misunderstanding of the infotype structure, leading to attempts to create duplicate records.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Existing Records: Before proceeding, check the existing records for the employee or object you are working on. You can do this by navigating to the relevant infotype and reviewing the data.
  Decide on Action: If the existing record is still valid and should not be overwritten, you may need to update the existing record instead of creating a new one. If the existing record is outdated or incorrect, you can proceed with the overwrite, but ensure that you have backed up any necessary information.
  Use the Correct Transaction: Make sure you are using the correct transaction code for the action you want to perform. For example, if you are trying to change an employee's data, use the appropriate transaction (like PA30 for infotype maintenance).
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the implications of overwriting the data, consult your organization's SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for guidance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Infotypes: In SAP HR, infotypes are used to store employee data. Each infotype has a specific purpose (e.g., personal data, payroll data, etc.), and understanding the structure of these infotypes can help prevent errors.
  Data Integrity: Always ensure that data integrity is maintained when working with employee records. Overwriting important information can lead to compliance issues or loss of historical data.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message, as there may be known issues or enhancements that could affect how this message is handled in your version of SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the PA106 error message effectively.