How To Fix UPC532 - Reference data is not unique

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UPC - Planning: General Error Messages

• Message number: 532

• Message text: Reference data is not unique

What causes this issue?

Reference data is read for the derivation. Characteristic combinations
of source fields occur several times in the reference data.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Check the reference data.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message UPC532 - Reference data is not unique ?

  The SAP error message UPC532, which states "Reference data is not unique," typically occurs in the context of SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) or SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP). This error indicates that the system has encountered multiple entries for a reference data object that should be unique, leading to ambiguity in processing.
  Causes:
  
  Duplicate Entries: The most common cause is the presence of duplicate entries in the master data or reference data tables. This could be due to incorrect data uploads, manual entry errors, or issues during data migration.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the planning area or master data settings can lead to non-unique references.
  Data Model Issues: If the data model is not properly defined or if there are inconsistencies in the data relationships, it can result in non-unique references.
  Versioning Problems: In some cases, different versions of the same data object may exist, causing conflicts.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Identify Duplicates: Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to check the relevant tables for duplicate entries. Common tables to check include MARA (General Material Data), MARC (Plant Data for Material), or any custom tables related to your planning area.
  Data Cleansing: Once duplicates are identified, you can either delete or merge the duplicate entries to ensure that each reference data object is unique.
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings in the planning area and ensure that the settings for reference data are correctly defined. This includes checking the key fields that define uniqueness.
  Data Uploads: If the issue arose after a data upload, review the upload process to ensure that it includes checks for duplicates before data is written to the database.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific version of SAP you are using, as there may be known issues or patches available.
  Testing: After making changes, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the issue is resolved and that no new issues have been introduced.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or patches related to the UPC532 error. 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.
  Documentation: Review the SAP Help Portal for detailed documentation on managing master data and reference data in your specific SAP environment.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the UPC532 error and implement a solution to resolve it.