How To Fix RDSV_SD_XX273 - Gap must not be deleted; digital signatures based on this gap exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RDSV_SD_XX - Regulatory Document and Signature Validation in SD

• Message number: 273

• Message text: Gap must not be deleted; digital signatures based on this gap exist

What causes this issue?

You tried to change recorded application data of specific postings but
dependent document data from subsequent postings with generated digital
signature exist.
The change is legally prohibited for the country of the company code and
for the number range that you use since the regeneration of digital
signatures is legally forbidden.

System Response

The system prevents you changing this number range gap because existing
digital signatures are based upon it.

How to fix this error?

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

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RDSV_SD_XX273 - Gap must not be deleted; digital signatures based on this gap exist ?

  The SAP error message RDSV_SD_XX273 indicates that there is an attempt to delete a gap in the document numbering sequence that is currently being referenced by digital signatures. This is a common issue in systems that utilize digital signatures for document integrity and authenticity, particularly in the context of SAP Document Management System (DMS) or similar modules.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because:
  
  Digital Signatures: There are existing digital signatures that rely on the gap in the document numbering sequence. Deleting this gap would invalidate those signatures, which is not allowed.
  Document Integrity: The system is designed to maintain the integrity of documents and their signatures, preventing any changes that could compromise their authenticity.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Identify Dependencies: Check which documents or signatures are dependent on the gap you are trying to delete. You may need to review the digital signatures associated with the documents in question.
  
  
  Remove Digital Signatures: If possible, remove or invalidate the digital signatures that are based on the gap. This may involve:
  
  Un-signing the documents.
  Replacing the documents with new versions that do not reference the gap.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help resources related to digital signatures and document management to understand the implications of removing gaps.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unsure about the implications of removing digital signatures or if the documents are critical, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT team for guidance.
  
  
  Alternative Solutions: If the gap must remain for compliance or other reasons, consider alternative approaches to manage document numbering or digital signatures without deleting the gap.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional context or solutions for this specific error message.
  System Configuration: Review the configuration settings related to document management and digital signatures in your SAP system.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to modify or delete digital signatures and document gaps.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the error and maintain the integrity of your document management processes in SAP.