How To Fix SIPT816 - Document with number &1 already exists; cannot create recovery document

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SIPT - SIPT: Digital Signature Portugal

• Message number: 816

• Message text: Document with number &1 already exists; cannot create recovery document

What causes this issue?

The recovery invoice document that you tried to post has a reference
number that already exists in the system as an original invoice
document.

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

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 SIPT816 - Document with number &1 already exists; cannot create recovery document ?

  The SAP error message SIPT816 indicates that there is an attempt to create a recovery document (such as a credit memo or a reversal document) for a document that already exists in the system. This typically occurs in the context of financial transactions or inventory management where a recovery or reversal is being processed.
  Cause:
  
  
  Duplicate Document: The primary cause of this error is that the document number you are trying to create already exists in the system. This can happen if:
  
  The document was already processed.
  There was a previous attempt to create a recovery document that was successful.
  There is a manual entry or a batch job that has already created the document.
  
  
  
  Incorrect Document Number: Sometimes, the error can arise from using an incorrect or invalid document number that is already in use.
  
  
  System Configuration: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that prevent the creation of duplicate documents.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Documents: 
  
  Use transaction codes like FB03 (Display Document) or MB03 (Display Material Document) to check if the document with the specified number already exists.
  If it does exist, review the document to determine if it needs to be reversed or if another action is required.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Document Number: 
  
  Ensure that you are using the correct document number for the recovery process. If you are trying to reverse a document, make sure you are referencing the correct original document.
  
  
  
  Review Transaction Logs: 
  
  Check transaction logs or system messages to see if there were any previous attempts to create the document and whether they were successful.
  
  
  
  Consult with SAP Support: 
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message.
  
  
  
  System Configuration Review: 
  
  If this error occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the system configuration related to document management to ensure that it is set up correctly to handle recovery documents.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common issues.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FB03, FB08 (to reverse documents), and MB03 for material documents.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to document management and recovery processes to understand the expected workflow and any constraints.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the SIPT816 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.