How To Fix /SRMSMC/CONTACT038 - The same phone number already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SRMSMC/CONTACT -

• Message number: 038

• Message text: The same phone number 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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SRMSMC/CONTACT038 - The same phone number already exists ?

  The SAP error message /SRMSMC/CONTACT038 indicates that there is an attempt to create or update a contact in the SAP system with a phone number that already exists in the database. This is a validation error that prevents duplicate phone numbers from being entered for contacts.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  You are trying to create a new contact with a phone number that is already associated with an existing contact.
  You are attempting to update an existing contact's details, but the phone number you are trying to set is already in use by another contact.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Contacts:
  
  Search for the contact using the phone number you are trying to enter. This can usually be done through the contact management or master data transaction in SAP.
  Verify if the phone number is indeed associated with another contact.
  
  
  
  Modify the Phone Number:
  
  If the phone number is already in use, consider using a different phone number for the new contact or updating the existing contact instead of creating a new one.
  
  
  
  Update Existing Contact:
  
  If you intended to update an existing contact, ensure you are modifying the correct record and that the phone number you are entering is not already in use by another contact.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the existing contacts or need to maintain the integrity of the data, consult with your team or the data management team to determine the best course of action.
  
  
  
  Check for System Customizations:
  
  If your organization has customized the SAP system, there may be additional validation rules in place. Check with your SAP administrator or technical team for any custom logic that might be causing this error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on your SAP version, you may use transaction codes like BP (Business Partner) or SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) to manage contacts.
  Data Management: Regularly review and clean up contact data to avoid duplicates and ensure data integrity.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message, as there may be updates or fixes provided by SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the /SRMSMC/CONTACT038 error and successfully manage your contacts in the SAP system.