How To Fix /SPE/ID_HANDLING004 - You cannot create the delivery because & already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SPE/ID_HANDLING -

• Message number: 004

• Message text: You cannot create the delivery because & 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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SPE/ID_HANDLING004 - You cannot create the delivery because & already exists ?

  The SAP error message /SPE/ID_HANDLING004 indicates that you are trying to create a delivery for a document (such as a sales order or a purchase order), but a delivery with the same identifier already exists in the system. This typically occurs in scenarios where the system is set up to prevent duplicate deliveries for the same document.
  Cause:
  
  
  Duplicate Delivery: The most common cause is that a delivery with the same reference already exists in the system. This could happen if:
  
  The delivery was created previously but not processed or completed.
  There was an error in the previous delivery creation that left it in an incomplete state.
  The same delivery is being attempted to be created again due to user error or system logic.
  
  
  
  System Configuration: The system may be configured to enforce unique delivery identifiers, which can lead to this error if the same identifier is attempted to be reused.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Deliveries: 
  
  Use transaction codes like VL03N (Display Outbound Delivery) to check if a delivery with the same reference already exists.
  If you find an existing delivery, you may need to process it (e.g., complete, cancel, or delete) before creating a new one.
  
  
  
  Review Document Status: 
  
  Ensure that the original document (sales order, purchase order, etc.) is in a status that allows for delivery creation.
  If the original document is still open or incomplete, you may need to address that first.
  
  
  
  Use Different Delivery Number: 
  
  If the existing delivery is no longer needed, you can delete it (if allowed) and then attempt to create the new delivery again.
  Alternatively, if the system allows, you can create a delivery with a different identifier.
  
  
  
  Consult with SAP Support: 
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting the SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  VL01N (Create Outbound Delivery)
  VL02N (Change Outbound Delivery)
  VL03N (Display Outbound Delivery)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any updates or patches related to delivery handling and this specific error message.
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation regarding delivery processing and error handling for more insights into how to manage deliveries effectively.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.