How To Fix /SAPPCE/01018 - PO item number must be &1 and may not be changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPPCE/01 -

• Message number: 018

• Message text: PO item number must be &1 and may not be changed

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 /SAPPCE/01018 - PO item number must be &1 and may not be changed ?

  The SAP error message /SAPPCE/01018 PO item number must be &1 and may not be changed typically occurs in the context of Purchase Order (PO) processing within the SAP system, particularly when using the SAP Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) or similar modules. This error indicates that there is a mismatch between the expected item number for a purchase order and the item number that is being processed or modified.
  Cause:
  
  Item Number Mismatch: The item number being referenced in the transaction does not match the expected item number defined in the system. This can happen if there is an attempt to change the item number of a PO item that is already defined.
  Data Integrity Issues: There may be issues with data integrity, such as incorrect data being pulled from the database or inconsistencies in the PO item data.
  System Configuration: The system may be configured in a way that restricts changes to certain fields, including item numbers, once they have been set.
  
  Solution:
  
  Verify Item Number: Check the item number you are trying to use against the expected item number in the PO. Ensure that you are referencing the correct item.
  Do Not Change Item Number: If you are trying to change the item number, refrain from doing so. Instead, create a new item if necessary.
  Check for Data Integrity: Review the data in the system for any inconsistencies. This may involve checking the database or using transaction codes like ME23N (Display Purchase Order) to view the details of the PO.
  Consult Documentation: Review any relevant SAP documentation or notes that may provide additional context or solutions for this error.
  Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and ME23N (Display Purchase Order) to navigate and troubleshoot POs effectively.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Permissions: Ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to make changes to purchase orders, as restrictions may lead to errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the error message and proceed with your purchase order processing in SAP.