How To Fix SMI_GENERAL005 - Record already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SMI_GENERAL -

• Message number: 005

• Message text: Record already exists

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SMI_GENERAL005 - Record already exists ?

  The SAP error message SMI_GENERAL005: Record already exists typically occurs in the context of the SAP Supply Chain Management (SCM) or SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) modules. This error indicates that an attempt to create a new record (such as a planning object, master data, or transaction) has failed because a record with the same key or identifier already exists in the system.
  Causes:
  
  Duplicate Entries: The most common cause is that the system is trying to create a record that already exists in the database. This could be due to a manual entry error or a data import process that is attempting to insert duplicate records.
  Data Migration Issues: If data is being migrated from another system or from legacy data, there may be conflicts with existing records.
  Incorrect Configuration: Sometimes, configuration settings in the system may lead to attempts to create records that are not necessary or valid.
  Concurrency Issues: If multiple users or processes are trying to create the same record simultaneously, it can lead to this error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check for Existing Records: Before attempting to create a new record, check the database or the relevant transaction to see if the record already exists. You can use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to query the relevant tables.
  Modify the Existing Record: If the record already exists and you need to update it, consider using the update functionality instead of trying to create a new record.
  Data Cleansing: If the error arises from data migration, ensure that the data being imported is cleansed and does not contain duplicates.
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings in the relevant module to ensure that they are set up correctly and do not lead to unnecessary record creation.
  Error Handling in Code: If this error is occurring in a custom program or enhancement, implement error handling to check for existing records before attempting to create new ones.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific module you are working with for any known issues or additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE16 (Data Browser), SE11 (Data Dictionary), and others that may help in diagnosing the issue.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any notes related to this error message. There may be specific patches or updates that address this issue.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or technical team for further investigation.