How To Fix /SPE/INBVAL002 - External identification of document missing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SPE/INBVAL -

• Message number: 002

• Message text: External identification of document missing

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SPE/INBVAL002 - External identification of document missing ?

  The SAP error message /SPE/INBVAL002 External identification of document missing typically occurs in the context of inbound processing, particularly when dealing with IDoc (Intermediate Document) processing or when integrating with external systems. This error indicates that the system expects an external identification (such as a document number or reference) for the document being processed, but it is missing.
  Cause:
  
  Missing External ID: The document being processed does not have an external identification number assigned to it. This could happen if the data being sent to SAP is incomplete or incorrectly formatted.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the IDoc type or the message type being used, which could lead to the external ID not being populated correctly.
  Mapping Errors: If you are using middleware (like SAP PI/PO or other integration tools), there may be mapping errors that prevent the external ID from being passed correctly to SAP.
  Data Transfer Issues: If the data is being transferred from an external system, there may be issues with the data extraction or transfer process that result in missing fields.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Source Data: Ensure that the data being sent to SAP includes the necessary external identification. Verify that the source system is populating this field correctly.
  Review IDoc Structure: Check the IDoc structure and ensure that the external identification field is correctly defined and mapped. You can use transaction WE30 to view the IDoc type and transaction WE60 for documentation.
  Middleware Configuration: If you are using middleware, review the mapping configuration to ensure that the external ID is being correctly mapped from the source to the target.
  Debugging: Use transaction WE02 or WE05 to analyze the IDoc and check for any errors or missing segments. This can help identify where the external ID is missing.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific IDoc type or message type you are working with to ensure compliance with expected formats and requirements.
  Testing: After making changes, perform tests to ensure that the external identification is now being populated correctly and that the error does not reoccur.
  
  Related Information:
  
  IDoc Types: Familiarize yourself with the specific IDoc types and their structures relevant to your business process.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the error message.
  Transaction Codes: Use relevant transaction codes such as WE02 (IDoc display), WE05 (IDoc monitoring), and WE19 (IDoc test tool) for troubleshooting.
  Integration Scenarios: If you are integrating with other systems, ensure that the integration scenarios are well-defined and that all required fields are being populated.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.