How To Fix QE173 - Key & for the external numbering is not defined

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QE - RM-QSS Fehlertexte zur Ergebniserfassung

• Message number: 173

• Message text: Key & for the external numbering is not defined

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QE173 - Key & for the external numbering is not defined ?

  The SAP error message QE173, which states "Key & for the external numbering is not defined," typically occurs in the context of Quality Management (QM) when the system is trying to generate an external number for a quality notification or inspection lot, but it cannot find the necessary configuration.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following reasons:
  
  Missing Configuration: The external numbering for the specific object (like quality notifications or inspection lots) has not been defined in the system.
  Incorrect Number Range: The number range for the external numbering might not be properly set up or activated.
  Object Type Not Defined: The specific object type for which the external number is being generated is not defined in the configuration.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Number Range Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code SNRO (Number Range Objects).
  Look for the relevant number range object related to the quality notifications or inspection lots (e.g., QMEL for quality notifications).
  Ensure that the number range is defined and that it is active.
  
  
  
  Define External Numbering:
  
  Navigate to the configuration for Quality Management.
  Use transaction code SPRO to access the SAP Reference IMG.
  Follow the path: Quality Management > Quality Notifications > Define Number Ranges for Quality Notifications.
  Ensure that the external numbering is defined for the relevant object.
  
  
  
  Check Object Type:
  
  Ensure that the object type for which you are trying to generate the external number is correctly defined in the system.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access and modify the number range settings.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the process again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SNRO - Number Range Objects
  SPRO - SAP Reference IMG
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for Quality Management for more detailed information on configuring number ranges and external numbering.
  Support: If the issue persists after checking the configurations, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the QE173 error and ensure that external numbering is properly configured in your SAP system.