How To Fix VC163 - Alternative sales document type & is the same as current document type

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VC - SD Customizing

• Message number: 163

• Message text: Alternative sales document type & is the same as current document type

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VC163 - Alternative sales document type & is the same as current document type ?

  The SAP error message VC163 indicates that there is an issue with the sales document type being used in a transaction. Specifically, the message states that the alternative sales document type you are trying to use is the same as the current document type. This typically occurs in scenarios where you are attempting to create or process a sales document (like a sales order or quotation) and the system detects that the alternative document type you are trying to assign is identical to the one already in use.
  Cause:
  
  Document Type Configuration: The error usually arises from the configuration settings in the SAP system where the alternative sales document type is set to be the same as the current document type.
  User Input Error: The user may have inadvertently selected the same document type for an alternative sales document.
  Custom Logic: If there are custom enhancements or user exits in place, they might be causing the system to misinterpret the document types.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Document Type Settings: 
  
  Go to the configuration settings for sales document types in the SAP system (Transaction code: VOTXN or SPRO -> Sales and Distribution -> Sales -> Sales Document -> Define Sales Document Types).
  Ensure that the alternative sales document type is correctly configured and is not set to be the same as the current document type.
  
  
  
  Review User Input: 
  
  When creating or processing a sales document, double-check the document type being selected. Ensure that you are not inadvertently selecting the same document type as the alternative.
  
  
  
  Consult Custom Logic: 
  
  If there are any custom developments or enhancements in your SAP environment, review them to ensure they are not causing this issue. You may need to involve your ABAP developers or SAP Basis team.
  
  
  
  Testing: 
  
  After making any changes, test the process again to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. You can search for VC163 in the SAP Support Portal.
  Documentation: Review the SAP documentation related to sales document types and their configurations for a better understanding of how they interact.
  User Forums: Consider checking SAP community forums or user groups for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.