How To Fix SO686 - <&> cannot be added to this distribution list

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SO - SAPoffice: message texts

• Message number: 686

• Message text: <&> cannot be added to this distribution list

What causes this issue?

X.500 addresses and SAP business objects cannot currently be included
in distribution lists.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

You can send documents to X.500 addresses or to an SAP business object
directly from the send screen.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SO686 - <&> cannot be added to this distribution list ?

  The SAP error message SO686 indicates that a specific recipient (in this case, represented by &) cannot be added to a distribution list. This error typically arises in the context of SAP's communication and messaging systems, particularly when dealing with SAP Business Workflow or SAPconnect.
  Causes of Error SO686
  
  
  Invalid Recipient: The recipient you are trying to add may not be a valid user in the SAP system. This could be due to the user not being created or being inactive.
  
  
  User Type Restrictions: The recipient might be of a type that is not allowed in the distribution list. For example, certain types of users (like service users or system users) may not be eligible.
  
  
  Distribution List Limitations: There may be restrictions on the number of recipients that can be added to a distribution list, or the list may have been configured to exclude certain types of users.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to add the recipient may not have the necessary authorizations to modify the distribution list.
  
  
  Technical Issues: There could be underlying technical issues, such as database inconsistencies or system configuration problems.
  
  
  Solutions to Error SO686
  
  
  Verify Recipient Validity:
  
  Check if the recipient exists in the SAP system. You can do this by using transaction code SU01 to look up the user.
  
  
  
  Check User Status:
  
  Ensure that the user is active and not locked. If the user is inactive, you will need to activate them.
  
  
  
  Review Distribution List Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration of the distribution list to ensure that it allows the type of recipient you are trying to add.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to modify the distribution list. You may need to consult with your SAP security team.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Look for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions to common issues.
  
  
  
  Technical Support:
  
  If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP's support portal for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SU01 (User Maintenance), SO10 (Text Management), and SCOT (SAPconnect Administration) for managing users and distribution lists.
  SAP Documentation: Review SAP's official documentation for more details on distribution lists and user management.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the SO686 error effectively.