How To Fix /PM0/3FM_MESSAGES016 - Sibling &1 is used by more than one parent element

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PM0/3FM_MESSAGES -

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Sibling &1 is used by more than one parent element

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /PM0/3FM_MESSAGES016 - Sibling &1 is used by more than one parent element ?

  The SAP error message /PM0/3FM_MESSAGES016 indicates that a sibling element (in this case, an object or component) is being referenced by more than one parent element in a hierarchical structure. This typically occurs in scenarios involving master data, such as in the context of project management, product structures, or other hierarchical data models.
  Cause:
  
  Data Structure Violation: The error arises when the same child element (sibling) is assigned to multiple parent elements, which violates the expected one-to-many relationship in the data structure.
  Incorrect Configuration: This can happen due to incorrect configuration or data entry, where a single component is mistakenly linked to multiple parent structures.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system or manually entered, inconsistencies may arise leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Identify the Sibling and Parent Elements: Review the error message to identify the specific sibling element (&1) and the parent elements it is associated with. This will help you understand the context of the error.
  Review Data Relationships: Check the relationships in the data model to ensure that each sibling is only associated with one parent. You may need to use transaction codes like CS03 (Display Material BOM) or CJ20N (Project Builder) to analyze the structure.
  Correct the Data: 
  
  If the sibling is indeed supposed to be unique to one parent, remove the additional associations.
  If the sibling should be shared among multiple parents, consider redesigning the data structure to accommodate this requirement, possibly by creating a new instance of the sibling for each parent.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or guidelines specific to the module you are working with (e.g., Project System, Material Management) for best practices on managing hierarchical data.
  Testing: After making changes, test the configuration to ensure that the error is resolved and that the data integrity is maintained.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. Sometimes, SAP provides specific guidance or fixes for common problems.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that can help you analyze and manage the data structure, such as:
  
  CS01 (Create Material BOM)
  CS02 (Change Material BOM)
  CJ01 (Create Work Breakdown Structure)
  
  
  Data Consistency Checks: Regularly perform data consistency checks to prevent such issues from arising in the future.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.