How To Fix /SMB/TYPES004 - Duplicate type descr. &1 (lines &2 and &3)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SMB/TYPES -

• Message number: 004

• Message text: Duplicate type descr. &1 (lines &2 and &3)

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SMB/TYPES004 - Duplicate type descr. &1 (lines &2 and &3) ?

  The SAP error message /SMB/TYPES004 Duplicate type descr. &1 (lines &2 and &3) typically indicates that there are duplicate type descriptions in the system. This error is often encountered in the context of SAP Business One or related applications where type definitions are being managed.
  Cause:
  
  
  Duplicate Entries: The error arises when there are two or more entries in the system that have the same type description. This can happen due to:
  
  Manual entry errors where the same type is defined multiple times.
  Data import processes that inadvertently create duplicates.
  System migrations or updates that do not handle existing data correctly.
  
  
  
  Configuration Issues: Sometimes, the configuration settings may allow for duplicate entries, leading to this error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify Duplicates: 
  
  Use transaction codes or reports to identify the duplicate type descriptions. You can check the relevant tables or use the SAP GUI to search for the type descriptions mentioned in the error message.
  
  
  
  Remove or Merge Duplicates:
  
  Once identified, you can either delete the duplicate entries or merge them if they contain different attributes that need to be preserved.
  Ensure that you have backups before making any deletions or changes.
  
  
  
  Check Data Import Processes: 
  
  If the duplicates were created through data import, review the import process to ensure that it includes checks for existing entries to prevent duplicates in the future.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings: 
  
  Check the configuration settings in the system to ensure that they are set up to prevent duplicate entries.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or support for specific instructions related to your version of SAP and the context in which the error occurs.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed.
  Testing: After resolving the issue, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the changes do not affect other functionalities in the system.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP expert or your organization's SAP support team for further assistance.