How To Fix QE174 - The inspection unit number or serial number you entered already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 174

• Message text: The inspection unit number or serial number you entered already exists

What causes this issue?

The unit to be inspected number or the serial number you entered was
either
entered more than once or
units to be inspected or serial numbers were changed

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

You can either
invalidate the individual value by setting the indicator
delete the unit to be inspected or serial number
overwrite the unit to be inspected or serial number

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QE174 - The inspection unit number or serial number you entered already exists ?

  The SAP error message QE174 indicates that the inspection unit number or serial number you are trying to enter already exists in the system. This typically occurs during the creation or processing of inspection lots in Quality Management (QM) when the system detects a duplicate entry.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The most common cause is that the inspection unit number or serial number you are trying to use has already been assigned to another inspection lot or is already in use in the system.
  Incorrect Data Entry: There may be a typographical error in the number you are entering, leading to confusion with an existing entry.
  System Configuration: The system may be configured to enforce unique constraints on inspection unit numbers or serial numbers, which can lead to this error if not managed properly.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Entries: 
  
  Use transaction codes like IQ03 (Display Serial Number) or QA03 (Display Inspection Lot) to check if the inspection unit number or serial number already exists in the system.
  If it does exist, you may need to use a different number or resolve any issues with the existing entry.
  
  
  
  Correct Data Entry: 
  
  Double-check the number you are entering for any typographical errors. Ensure that you are using the correct format and that there are no leading or trailing spaces.
  
  
  
  Use a Different Number: 
  
  If the number is indeed in use, consider using a different inspection unit number or serial number that is not currently assigned.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your Team: 
  
  If you are unsure why the number is already in use, consult with your colleagues or the team responsible for quality management to understand the context of the existing entry.
  
  
  
  System Configuration Review: 
  
  If this issue occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the system configuration to ensure that it aligns with your business processes and that the unique constraints are appropriate.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP QM, such as:
  
  QA01 (Create Inspection Lot)
  QA02 (Change Inspection Lot)
  QA03 (Display Inspection Lot)
  IQ01 (Create Serial Number)
  IQ02 (Change Serial Number)
  IQ03 (Display Serial Number)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this error or provide additional guidance on handling inspection lots and serial numbers.
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to Quality Management and serial number management for best practices and guidelines.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the QE174 error and continue with your inspection lot processing in SAP.