How To Fix SD018 - Document already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SD - Online doc., terminology, translation, help

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Document already exists

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 SD018 - Document already exists ?

  The SAP error message SD018, which states "Document already exists," typically occurs in the Sales and Distribution (SD) module when you attempt to create a document (such as a sales order, delivery, or invoice) that already exists in the system. This can happen for various reasons, including duplicate entries or issues with document number ranges.
  Causes of SD018 Error
  
  
  Duplicate Document: The most common cause is that the document you are trying to create already exists in the system. This could be due to a previous entry that was not properly processed or saved.
  
  
  Document Number Range: If the document number range is not set up correctly, it may lead to conflicts where the system thinks a document already exists.
  
  
  Incomplete Transactions: Sometimes, if a transaction was interrupted or not completed, it may leave behind a record that causes conflicts.
  
  
  User Error: Users may inadvertently try to create a document with the same reference or number as an existing one.
  
  
  Solutions to SD018 Error
  
  
  Check Existing Documents: Before creating a new document, check if the document already exists. You can do this by searching for the document using the relevant transaction codes (e.g., VA03 for sales orders, VL03N for deliveries).
  
  
  Review Document Number Ranges: Ensure that the document number ranges are correctly configured in the system. You can check this in the customizing settings under:
  
  SPRO ? Sales and Distribution ? Sales ? Sales Document ? Define Number Ranges for Sales Documents.
  
  
  
  Clear Incomplete Transactions: If there are incomplete transactions, you may need to clear them. Use transaction codes like SM13 (to check for update errors) or SM21 (to check system logs) to identify and resolve any issues.
  
  
  Consult with IT Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, it may be necessary to consult with your SAP support team or IT department. They can help investigate the issue further and provide a solution.
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: Utilize transaction codes to find and manage existing documents:
  
  VA03: Display Sales Order
  VL03N: Display Delivery
  VF03: Display Billing Document
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the SD018 error. You can search for relevant notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for Sales and Distribution to understand how document management works and best practices for avoiding duplicates.
  Training: Consider training sessions for users to minimize user errors that lead to duplicate document creation.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the SD018 error and implement a solution to resolve it.