How To Fix /SAPAPO/PCM035 - Cannot determine external order number

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/PCM -

• Message number: 035

• Message text: Cannot determine external order number

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SAPAPO/PCM035 - Cannot determine external order number ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/PCM035 Cannot determine external order number typically occurs in the context of Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) when the system is unable to find or generate an external order number for a specific process. This can happen in various scenarios, such as during the creation of a production order, a purchase order, or when integrating with external systems.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Configuration: The external order number may not be properly configured in the system. This could be due to missing settings in the APO or the integration with the ERP system.
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the master data or transactional data that prevent the system from determining the external order number.
  Integration Issues: If there is an integration with an external system (like an ERP system), issues in the communication or data transfer can lead to this error.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the required data or perform the action that requires the external order number.
  Missing External Number Assignment: The external number assignment for the order type may not be defined in the system.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings in both APO and the connected ERP system to ensure that the external order number assignment is correctly set up.
  Validate Master Data: Ensure that all relevant master data (like materials, vendors, etc.) is correctly maintained and does not have any inconsistencies.
  Review Integration Settings: If the error is related to integration, check the settings and logs for any issues in data transfer between systems.
  Check Authorizations: Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to perform the action that is generating the error.
  Assign External Order Number: If applicable, ensure that the external order number assignment is defined for the relevant order types in the system.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that may address this specific error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like /SAPAPO/OM_ORDER or /SAPAPO/OM_ORDER_TYPE to check the order types and their configurations.
  Logs and Traces: Use transaction codes like SLG1 (Application Log) or ST22 (Dump Analysis) to check for any related logs or dumps that can provide more context on the error.
  SAP Community: Engaging with the SAP Community or forums can provide insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after checking these areas, it may be beneficial to involve your SAP Basis or technical team for further investigation.