How To Fix PO277 - The short name &2 for '&1' is already taken


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: PO - Spooler message

  • Message number: 277

  • Message text: The short name &2 for '&1' is already taken

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  • 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 PO277 - The short name &2 for '&1' is already taken ?

    The SAP error message PO277 indicates that there is a conflict with the short name assigned to a particular object, such as a purchase order or a material. Specifically, it means that the short name (or key) you are trying to assign to the object is already in use by another object in the system.

    Cause:

    1. Duplicate Short Name: The short name you are trying to use is already assigned to another object in the system.
    2. Incorrect Configuration: There may be a configuration issue where the system is not allowing the creation of a new object with a short name that is already in use.
    3. Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be conflicts with existing short names.

    Solution:

    1. Check Existing Short Names: Verify if the short name you are trying to use is already assigned to another object. You can do this by searching for the object type in the relevant transaction (e.g., ME21N for purchase orders).
    2. Choose a Different Short Name: If the short name is already taken, you will need to select a different, unique short name for your object.
    3. Review Configuration: If you believe this is an error, review the configuration settings related to the object type to ensure that there are no restrictions or issues causing this conflict.
    4. Data Cleanup: If this issue arose from data migration, consider cleaning up the data to resolve any conflicts with existing short names.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes: Depending on the object type, you may use different transaction codes to check for existing entries (e.g., ME21N for purchase orders, MM01 for materials).
    • SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
    • Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for guidelines on naming conventions and object management to avoid conflicts in the future.

    If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or technical team for further investigation.

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