How To Fix /SRMSMC/REPLICATION171 - Supplier with identical phone number already exists (supplier &1)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SRMSMC/REPLICATION -

• Message number: 171

• Message text: Supplier with identical phone number already exists (supplier &1)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SRMSMC/REPLICATION171 - Supplier with identical phone number already exists (supplier &1) ?

  The SAP error message /SRMSMC/REPLICATION171 indicates that there is an attempt to create or replicate a supplier in the system, but a supplier with the same phone number already exists. This is a validation error that prevents the creation of duplicate supplier records based on the phone number.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the system has a built-in check to prevent the creation of duplicate suppliers based on certain key fields, one of which is the phone number. If you try to create a new supplier with a phone number that is already associated with an existing supplier, the system will raise this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Suppliers: 
  
  Use the supplier management transaction (e.g., BP for Business Partner) to search for existing suppliers using the phone number in question. This will help you identify if the supplier already exists.
  
  
  
  Modify the New Supplier's Phone Number:
  
  If the supplier you are trying to create is indeed a new entity, consider using a different phone number that does not conflict with existing records.
  
  
  
  Update Existing Supplier:
  
  If the supplier you are trying to create is actually an update to an existing supplier, you may need to update the existing supplier's information instead of creating a new one.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings in your SAP system regarding supplier replication and duplicate checks. You may need to adjust these settings if the business process allows for multiple suppliers with the same phone number.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on handling supplier records and understanding the specific validation rules in your system.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance, especially if this is a recurring issue or if you suspect a system bug.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as BP (Business Partner), MK01 (Create Vendor), and MK02 (Change Vendor) for managing supplier records.
  Data Replication: If this error occurs during data replication (e.g., from a legacy system to SAP), ensure that the data being replicated does not contain duplicates.
  Business Partner Approach: In newer versions of SAP, suppliers are managed as Business Partners (BP). Understanding the BP concept and its implications on supplier management can be beneficial.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the error and ensure that your supplier data is correctly managed within the SAP system.