How To Fix R9181 - Element &1 (&2) already exists on the database

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: R9 - Business Explorer

• Message number: 181

• Message text: Element &1 (&2) already exists on the database

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 R9181 - Element &1 (&2) already exists on the database ?

  The SAP error message R9181, which states "Element &1 (&2) already exists on the database," typically occurs when you are trying to create or insert a record in the database that already exists. This can happen in various contexts, such as when working with master data, configuration settings, or transactional data.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entry: The most common cause is that the system is attempting to create a new entry (like a customer, vendor, or material) that has the same key or identifier as an existing entry in the database.
  Data Migration Issues: If you are migrating data from another system or performing a bulk upload, there may be duplicates in the data being imported.
  Incorrect Logic in Custom Programs: If you are using custom ABAP programs or enhancements, there may be logic that does not properly check for existing records before attempting to create new ones.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check for Existing Records: Before creating a new record, check the database to see if an entry with the same key already exists. You can do this using transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to view the relevant database table.
  Modify the Data: If you find that the record already exists, you may need to modify your data input to avoid duplicates. This could involve changing the key or updating the existing record instead of trying to create a new one.
  Data Cleansing: If you are migrating data, ensure that your source data is cleansed and does not contain duplicates before performing the migration.
  Error Handling in Custom Code: If the error arises from custom ABAP code, review the logic to ensure it checks for existing records before attempting to insert new ones. Implement proper error handling to manage such situations gracefully.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific module or transaction you are working with, as there may be specific guidelines or known issues related to this error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE16 (Data Browser) or SE11 (Data Dictionary) to investigate the database tables involved.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. You can search for R9181 in the SAP Support Portal.
  Debugging: If you have access to the development environment, you can debug the program to see where the error is being triggered and understand the context better.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify the records in question, as sometimes authorization issues can lead to misleading error messages.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.