How To Fix PO288 - Automatic generation of a short name for &1 failed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 288

• Message text: Automatic generation of a short name for &1 failed

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 PO288 - Automatic generation of a short name for &1 failed ?

  The SAP error message PO288, which states "Automatic generation of a short name for &1 failed," typically occurs in the context of creating or managing purchase orders or other procurement-related documents. This error indicates that the system was unable to automatically generate a short name (or abbreviation) for a specific object, such as a purchase order or vendor.
  Causes:
  
  Naming Conflicts: There may be existing short names that conflict with the one being generated.
  Configuration Issues: The system may not be properly configured to generate short names for the specific object type.
  Data Integrity Issues: There may be issues with the data being used to generate the short name, such as invalid characters or formats.
  Custom Code: If there are custom enhancements or modifications in the system, they may interfere with the short name generation process.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Existing Short Names: Verify if there are existing short names that might be conflicting with the new one. You can do this by checking the relevant tables or using transaction codes like SE11 or SE16.
  Review Configuration: Ensure that the configuration settings for short name generation are correctly set up in the system. This may involve checking the relevant customizing settings in SPRO.
  Data Validation: Validate the data being used for the object to ensure it meets the required standards and formats. Look for any special characters or invalid entries.
  Custom Code Review: If there are custom developments, review the code to ensure it does not interfere with the standard short name generation process.
  Manual Entry: As a temporary workaround, you can manually enter a short name for the object if automatic generation fails.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may want to use transaction codes like ME21N (Create Purchase Order) or ME22N (Change Purchase Order) to see if the error occurs in specific scenarios.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  System Logs: Review system logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the failure.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or technical team for further investigation.