How To Fix SIPT704 - Deleting the entry for number range number &1 is not recommended

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SIPT - SIPT: Digital Signature Portugal

• Message number: 704

• Message text: Deleting the entry for number range number &1 is not recommended

What causes this issue?

You have deleted a Customizing entry for a particular number range
number. Since the system has already digitally signed documents that
have a number from the corresponding number range interval, we do not
recommend deleting this entry.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Recreate the Customizing entry.
If you need to change the parameters of the entry, create a new entry
for a new number range number and stop using the one you wanted to
delete.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SIPT704 - Deleting the entry for number range number &1 is not recommended ?

  The SAP error message SIPT704 indicates that there is an attempt to delete an entry for a number range that is not recommended. This typically occurs when you try to delete a number range object that is still in use or has been assigned to various objects in the system.
  Cause:
  
  In Use: The number range is currently being used by one or more documents or transactions.
  Assigned Objects: The number range is assigned to various objects (like master data, transaction data, etc.) in the system.
  System Integrity: Deleting a number range can lead to inconsistencies in the database and affect the integrity of the data.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Usage: Before attempting to delete a number range, check if it is still in use. You can do this by:
  
  Reviewing the configuration settings in the number range object.
  Checking if there are any existing documents or records that utilize this number range.
  
  
  
  Deactivation: Instead of deleting the number range, consider deactivating it. This can be done by:
  
  Changing the status of the number range to "not active" or similar, depending on your SAP version.
  This will prevent new entries from being created using this number range while preserving the existing data.
  
  
  
  Archiving: If the number range is no longer needed, consider archiving the data associated with it instead of deleting it. This helps maintain data integrity while allowing you to free up the number range for future use.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP Basis or functional team for best practices regarding number range management.
  
  
  Custom Development: If you have a specific requirement to delete the number range, you may need to implement custom logic or a program that safely handles the deletion while ensuring data integrity.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Number Range Objects: Understand the concept of number range objects in SAP, which are used to manage the assignment of unique numbers to various business objects.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SNRO (Number Range Objects) to manage number ranges effectively.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or updates related to number range management.
  
  Always ensure that you have a backup and a clear understanding of the implications before making changes to number ranges in your SAP system.