How To Fix PHIN516 - Equipment without serial no. cannot be installed during takeover process

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PHIN - Phase In: Messages

• Message number: 516

• Message text: Equipment without serial no. cannot be installed during takeover process

What causes this issue?

You want to install a piece of equipment without a serial number in a
superior equipment or a functional location.

System Response

If the Configuration Control top equipment has not been created with a
serial number, the system does not allow the installation and issues an
error message.

How to fix this error?

As the takeover process uses the Configuration Control transaction IE4N
installation and removal to install and remove pieces of equipment, the
system requires the serial number for the equipment being installed.
You can either use the serialized equipment for the Configuration
Control Top equipment or you can install your equipment outside of
TakeOver application using IE02 transaction.

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 PHIN516 - Equipment without serial no. cannot be installed during takeover process ?

  The SAP error message PHIN516 indicates that an equipment item is being attempted to be installed during a takeover process, but it lacks a serial number. This is a common issue in SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) or SAP Asset Management (AM) modules, where equipment tracking and management are critical.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Serial Number: The equipment in question has not been assigned a serial number. In SAP, serial numbers are often required for tracking and managing equipment, especially for warranty, maintenance, and service purposes.
  Configuration Settings: The system may be configured to require serial numbers for certain types of equipment or during specific processes, such as takeovers.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been an oversight during the creation of the equipment master record, where the serial number field was left blank.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Assign a Serial Number:
  
  Navigate to the equipment master record in SAP (transaction code IE02).
  Enter the equipment number and check the details.
  If the serial number field is empty, assign a valid serial number to the equipment.
  Save the changes.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Review the configuration settings in the system to determine if serial numbers are mandatory for the equipment type in question.
  If necessary, consult with your SAP configuration team to adjust the settings if they are too restrictive.
  
  
  
  Data Validation:
  
  Ensure that all equipment records are properly maintained and that serial numbers are assigned during the creation of new equipment.
  Implement validation checks or training for users to prevent similar issues in the future.
  
  
  
  Review Takeover Process:
  
  Ensure that the takeover process is being followed correctly and that all prerequisites are met before attempting to install the equipment.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  IE02: Change Equipment
  IE01: Create Equipment
  IE03: Display Equipment
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on equipment management and serial number assignment.
  User Training: Consider providing training for users involved in equipment management to ensure they understand the importance of serial numbers and how to manage equipment records properly.
  
  By addressing the missing serial number and ensuring proper data entry and configuration, you should be able to resolve the PHIN516 error and proceed with the takeover process.