How To Fix SWF_RUN686 - System error: Database record &2 already exists in table &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_RUN - Workflow Runtime System

• Message number: 686

• Message text: System error: Database record &2 already exists in table &1

What causes this issue?

You want to add a database entry with the key &V2& to table &V1&.
However, this entry already exists in the database entry.

System Response

The operation was terminated with an error.

How to fix this error?

The current number level of number range object &V3& must be increased
so that new numbers cannot collide with existing data records in table
&V1&.

Procedure for System Administrators

Change number range object &V3& in the system. The procedure is
described in SAP Note 1895258.
The new number level is calculated from the content of database table
&V1& The highest number (ID) in this table has the value &V4&. The new
number level should be rounded to the nearest ten thousand.
For example:
Last assigned number: 3784627
New number level: 3790000

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWF_RUN686 - System error: Database record &2 already exists in table &1 ?

  The SAP error message SWF_RUN686 indicates that there is an attempt to insert a record into a database table where a record with the same key already exists. This typically occurs in the context of workflow processing or when handling database operations in SAP.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by a violation of the unique constraint on the database table. This can happen due to several reasons:
  
  Duplicate Data Entry: The system is trying to insert a record that already exists in the specified table.
  Concurrency Issues: Multiple processes or users may be trying to insert the same record simultaneously.
  Incorrect Workflow Logic: The workflow may be incorrectly designed, leading to attempts to create duplicate entries.
  Data Migration Issues: If data was migrated from another system, there may be existing records that conflict with new entries.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the SWF_RUN686 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Records: 
  
  Query the database table (&1) to check if the record with the key (&2) already exists. You can use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE16 (Data Browser) to view the table contents.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Logic:
  
  If the error occurs during a workflow process, review the workflow design to ensure that it does not attempt to create duplicate entries. Adjust the logic to handle existing records appropriately.
  
  
  
  Implement Error Handling:
  
  Modify the program or workflow to handle cases where a record already exists. This could involve updating the existing record instead of trying to insert a new one.
  
  
  
  Check for Concurrency:
  
  If multiple users or processes are involved, consider implementing locking mechanisms or checks to prevent simultaneous insertions of the same record.
  
  
  
  Data Cleanup:
  
  If the error is due to data migration, ensure that the data is cleaned up and that there are no duplicates before running the process again.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: SE11, SE16, SWI1 (Workflow Overview), SWI2_DURA (Workflow Runtime Analysis)
  Database Tables: The specific table (&1) mentioned in the error message will provide context on what data is being affected.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a solution to prevent it from occurring in the future.