How To Fix SE038 - Alternative line in item &1 &2 is not supported in external system

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SE - Dienstleistungen Stammdaten Leistungsposition

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Alternative line in item &1 &2 is not supported in external system

What causes this issue?

The <DS:GLOS.3526C11BAFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>service specifications</>
for item &V2& of purchase order &V1& contain an <DS:DE.ALTERNAT>
alternative line</>. However,
<DS:GLOS.C86595AD5705D311B1D20004AC56B168>service lines</> of this type
are not supported in the external system.

System Response

The system does not allow you to save the purchase order.

How to fix this error?

Delete the line from the service specifications or change the line type
to <DS:DE.NOALTER>"No Alternatives"</>.

Procedure for System Administrators

In the standard system, this message is issued as an error message. You
can change the <DS:GLOS.9760216AA08EBF45B01FB8CD4DA53452>message type</>
of the message in the <DS:SIMG.SIMG_CFMENUOLMEOMYB>
Implementation Guide</>, if you want to allow the document to be saved
despite the unsupported line type.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SE038 - Alternative line in item &1 &2 is not supported in external system ?

  The SAP error message SE038, which states "Alternative line in item &1 &2 is not supported in external system," typically occurs in the context of integration between SAP and external systems, such as when using IDocs or other data exchange methods. This error indicates that the system is trying to process an alternative line item that is not recognized or supported by the external system.
  Cause:
  
  Alternative Item Configuration: The item in question is configured as an alternative item in SAP, which may not be supported by the external system you are interfacing with.
  Data Mapping Issues: There may be a mismatch in the data mapping between SAP and the external system, leading to the external system not recognizing the alternative line item.
  Integration Settings: The integration settings or configurations may not be set up to handle alternative items properly.
  Version Compatibility: The version of the external system may not support the features or data structures being sent from SAP.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Item Configuration: Check the configuration of the item in SAP to ensure that it is set up correctly. If the alternative item is not needed, consider removing the alternative item configuration.
  Adjust Data Mapping: Ensure that the data mapping between SAP and the external system is correct. This may involve modifying the IDoc structure or the data being sent.
  Update Integration Settings: Review the integration settings in both SAP and the external system to ensure they are compatible and can handle alternative items.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the documentation of the external system to understand its limitations regarding alternative items and adjust your SAP configuration accordingly.
  Testing: After making changes, perform tests to ensure that the integration works as expected without triggering the error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common integration issues.
  IDoc Monitoring: Use transaction WE02 or WE05 in SAP to monitor IDocs and see if there are any additional error messages or details that can help diagnose the issue.
  Integration Tools: If you are using middleware (like SAP PI/PO or SAP CPI), check the configuration there as well, as it may have its own settings for handling alternative items.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your external system vendor for assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the SE038 error and implement a suitable solution.