How To Fix PO178 - Print request identical to print request & was created

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 178

• Message text: Print request identical to print request & was created

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO178 - Print request identical to print request & was created ?

  The SAP error message PO178 indicates that a print request is identical to a previously created print request. This typically occurs when a user attempts to print a document (such as a purchase order) that has already been printed, and the system recognizes that the print request is a duplicate.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Print Request: The most common cause is that the user is trying to print a document that has already been printed, and the system prevents duplicate print requests to avoid unnecessary processing and resource usage.
  Print Program Logic: The logic in the print program may be designed to check for existing print requests and block duplicates.
  User Action: The user may have inadvertently clicked the print button multiple times or attempted to print the same document in quick succession.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Print Requests: Before attempting to print, check the print request history for the document in question. You can do this by navigating to the relevant transaction (e.g., ME23N for purchase orders) and reviewing the print log.
  Use the Print Preview: Instead of directly printing, use the print preview option to confirm that the document has not been printed already.
  Wait and Retry: If you believe the print request is valid, wait a moment and try printing again. Sometimes, the system may take a moment to process the previous request.
  Change Print Parameters: If you need to print the document again (for example, with different parameters), consider changing the print settings or parameters to create a new print request.
  Consult with IT Support: If the issue persists and you believe it is not due to user error, consult your SAP support team or IT department for further investigation. They may need to check the configuration of the print program or the underlying logic.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME23N (Display Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and SP01 (Spool Request) to manage print requests and logs.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to printing and print requests. Sometimes, specific versions of SAP may have bugs that are documented in SAP Notes.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the proper procedures for printing documents in SAP to minimize the occurrence of duplicate print requests.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PO178 error and understand its implications in the SAP environment.