How To Fix PA289 - Automatic search could find no higher free number

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PA - Recruitment Messages

• Message number: 289

• Message text: Automatic search could find no higher free number

What causes this issue?

The automatic number search uses the highest number already assigned to
an advertisement as the starting point for the search for the next
available number, which is then assigned to the new advertisement.
It is assumed that the numbers assigned to advertisements increase in
succession. In other words, the automatic number search can no longer
operate if the highest available number (99999999) has already been
assigned to an advertisment.
In this case, the highest available number (99999999) has either been
assigned to an advertisement, or has been temporarily locked by another
user.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Select a number that has not yet been assigned. To do so, choose
<ZK>Cancel</> to return to the initial <ZK>Maintain Job Advertisements
</> screen, in order to determine which numbers are still available.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PA289 - Automatic search could find no higher free number ?

  The SAP error message PA289, which states "Automatic search could find no higher free number," typically occurs in the context of personnel administration or organizational management when the system is unable to find a higher free number for a specific object, such as a personnel number or organizational unit.
  Cause:
  
  
  Number Range Exhaustion: The most common cause of this error is that the number range defined for the specific object (e.g., personnel numbers) has been exhausted. This means that all available numbers within the defined range have been assigned and there are no free numbers left.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the number range intervals in the system. If the intervals are not set up correctly, it can lead to this error.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to create or assign new numbers, which can lead to this error.
  
  
  System Settings: The system settings for number assignment may not be correctly configured, leading to issues in number generation.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Number Ranges:
  
  Go to transaction code SNRO (Number Range Objects).
  Check the number range object related to the error (e.g., for personnel numbers, it is usually PERNR).
  Verify the defined intervals and see if they are exhausted. If they are, you may need to extend the number range.
  
  
  
  Extend Number Range:
  
  If the number range is exhausted, you can extend it by adding new intervals. This typically requires administrative access.
  Ensure that the new range does not overlap with existing numbers.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings in SPRO (SAP Reference IMG) under Personnel Management or Organizational Management to ensure that the number ranges are set up correctly.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to create or assign new numbers. This can be checked in transaction SU53 or by consulting with your security team.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to this error message for any specific recommendations or patches that may be applicable.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SNRO: To manage number ranges.
  SPRO: To access the configuration settings.
  SU53: To check authorization issues.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Documentation: Review the SAP Help Portal for detailed information on number range management and personnel administration.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the PA289 error and implement a solution to resolve it.