How To Fix /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT072 - External key already assigned to another employee &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT -

• Message number: 072

• Message text: External key already assigned to another employee &1

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT072 - External key already assigned to another employee &1 ?

  The SAP error message /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT072 External key already assigned to another employee &1 typically occurs in the context of employee data management within the SAP Human Capital Management (HCM) module. This error indicates that the external key (which is often a unique identifier for an employee, such as an employee number or an external ID) you are trying to assign to a new employee record is already in use by another employee.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate External Key: The external key you are trying to assign is already associated with another employee in the system.
  Data Migration Issues: If you are migrating data from another system, there may be conflicts with existing external keys.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Manual entry errors may lead to attempts to assign an external key that is already in use.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Employees: Verify if the external key is indeed assigned to another employee. You can do this by searching for the employee using the external key in the relevant SAP transaction (e.g., PA20 or PA30).
  Use a Unique External Key: If the external key is already in use, you will need to assign a different, unique external key to the new employee record.
  Data Cleanup: If you are migrating data, ensure that the external keys are unique across the dataset before importing them into SAP.
  Consult with HR or Data Management Team: If you are unsure about the external key assignments, consult with your HR or data management team to resolve any conflicts.
  Check for Deactivated Employees: Sometimes, the external key may belong to a deactivated employee. If applicable, you may need to reactivate the employee or choose a different external key.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like PA20 (Display HR Master Data) or PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) to view employee records and their external keys.
  Data Migration Tools: If you are using tools like LSMW (Legacy System Migration Workbench) or SAP Data Services, ensure that the mapping of external keys is correctly configured to avoid duplicates.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message, as there may be specific fixes or recommendations provided by SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully manage employee records in SAP.