How To Fix PE402 - Reference entered & does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PE - Shift Planning: Messages

• Message number: 402

• Message text: Reference entered & does not exist

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PE402 - Reference entered & does not exist ?

  The SAP error message PE402 ("Reference entered & does not exist") typically occurs in the context of personnel administration or payroll processing when the system cannot find a reference (such as a personnel number, employee ID, or other identifiers) that has been entered in a transaction or report.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect Reference: The reference number entered may be incorrect or mistyped.
  Data Deletion: The reference may have been deleted or is no longer valid in the system.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the data related to the reference.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the system that prevent the reference from being recognized.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies or missing entries.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Verify the Reference: Double-check the reference number entered for any typos or errors. Ensure that it is the correct identifier.
  Check Data Existence: Use transaction codes like PA20 (Display HR Master Data) or PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) to check if the reference exists in the system.
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the data related to the reference.
  Consult with IT Support: If the reference should exist but does not, consult with your IT support team or SAP Basis team to investigate any potential data integrity issues or configuration problems.
  Check for Data Migration Issues: If the error occurred after a data migration, verify that all necessary data was migrated correctly and that there are no missing entries.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA20, PA30, and others related to personnel administration.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide specific guidance or solutions for known problems.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files related to personnel administration and payroll processing for additional context and troubleshooting steps.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to escalate the problem to SAP support for further assistance.