How To Fix ST020 - Term exists already in other paths

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ST - Terminology Database

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Term exists already in other paths

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 ST020 - Term exists already in other paths ?

  The SAP error message ST020, which states "Term exists already in other paths," typically occurs in the context of the SAP system's terminology management or when dealing with the SAP Business Object Repository (BOR). This error indicates that a term or object you are trying to create or modify already exists in a different path or context within the system.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Terms: The term you are trying to create or modify already exists in the system, possibly under a different namespace or path.
  Incorrect Path: You may be trying to create a term in a path that conflicts with an existing term in another path.
  Namespace Conflicts: If you are working with custom developments or enhancements, there may be conflicts with standard SAP terms or other custom terms.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Terms: Use the transaction code SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE78 (SAP ArchiveLink) to search for the term in question. Verify if it already exists in the system.
  Modify Existing Term: If the term already exists, consider modifying the existing term instead of creating a new one.
  Use Unique Names: When creating new terms, ensure that you are using unique names that do not conflict with existing terms in the system.
  Namespace Management: If you are working in a custom namespace, ensure that your terms are correctly defined within that namespace to avoid conflicts with standard SAP terms.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help resources related to terminology management to understand the best practices for creating and managing terms.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE11, SE78, and ST22 for debugging.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. You can search for relevant notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  System Logs: Review system logs for additional context or related error messages that may provide more insight into the issue.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis or development team for further assistance.