How To Fix /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT073 - External key is different from what is already assigned to employee &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT -

• Message number: 073

• Message text: External key is different from what is already assigned to employee &1

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT073 - External key is different from what is already assigned to employee &1 ?

  The SAP error message /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT073 indicates that there is a mismatch between the external key being used for an employee and the external key that is already assigned to that employee in the system. This typically occurs in scenarios where external systems are integrated with SAP, and the external key is used to uniquely identify employees.
  Cause:
  
  Data Mismatch: The external key being used in the current operation (e.g., during an import or update) does not match the external key that is already stored in the SAP system for that specific employee.
  Duplicate Entries: There may be an attempt to assign a new external key to an employee who already has an existing key.
  Integration Issues: If data is being transferred from an external system (like an HR system), there may be inconsistencies in the data being sent.
  
  Solution:
  
  Verify External Key: Check the external key that is being used in the operation and compare it with the one already assigned to the employee. You can do this by accessing the employee's master data in SAP.
  Update the External Key: If the external key needs to be updated, ensure that the correct key is being used. If the key is incorrect, correct it in the source system or in the SAP system as needed.
  Data Consistency Check: Ensure that the data being sent from external systems is consistent and matches the expected format and values in SAP.
  Consult Documentation: Review any integration documentation to ensure that the external keys are being handled correctly.
  Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP notes for any known issues related to this error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) to view and edit employee data.
  Integration Scenarios: This error is often encountered in scenarios involving data migration, integration with third-party systems, or during batch processing of employee records.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message, as there may be known issues or fixes available.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and ensure that the external key for the employee is correctly assigned.