How To Fix VMP_MSG358 - Reference Designator '&1' already assigned to &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VMP_MSG - VMP Message Manager

• Message number: 358

• Message text: Reference Designator '&1' already assigned to &2

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

The Reference Designator already exists for other BOM instances.

How to fix this error?

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 VMP_MSG358 - Reference Designator '&1' already assigned to &2 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  VMP_MSG358: Reference Designator '&1' already assigned to &2
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in the SAP Variant Configuration (LO-VC) or Plant Maintenance (PM) context when you try to assign a Reference Designator (also called a Ref Des) to a functional location, equipment, or object, but the same Reference Designator is already assigned to another object.
  
  The Reference Designator is intended to uniquely identify a component or part within a structure or assembly.
  The system enforces uniqueness of Reference Designators within a certain scope (e.g., within a functional location or equipment).
  When you attempt to assign a Reference Designator that is already in use, the system throws this error to prevent duplicate assignments.
  
  
  Explanation of the Message Variables:
  
  &1 = The Reference Designator you tried to assign.
  &2 = The object (equipment, functional location, or component) to which the Reference Designator is already assigned.
  
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  Assigning a Reference Designator to a component in a Bill of Materials (BOM) or equipment master.
  Creating or changing a functional location or equipment where the Reference Designator must be unique.
  During configuration or maintenance tasks where components are identified by Reference Designators.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Assignments:
  
  Identify where the Reference Designator is already assigned.
  Use transaction codes like IE03 (Display Equipment), IL03 (Display Functional Location), or BOM transactions (CS03) to find the object with the conflicting Reference Designator.
  
  
  
  Use a Unique Reference Designator:
  
  Assign a different, unique Reference Designator that is not already in use within the relevant scope.
  Reference Designators are often alphanumeric and should follow your company’s naming conventions.
  
  
  
  Correct Data if Needed:
  
  If the existing assignment is incorrect or obsolete, consider correcting or deleting the old assignment before reusing the Reference Designator.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration Settings:
  
  In some cases, the uniqueness check scope can be influenced by configuration settings in Plant Maintenance or Variant Configuration.
  Consult your system administrator or SAP consultant if you suspect configuration issues.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  Reference Designators are critical for identifying components uniquely in complex assemblies or maintenance structures.
  Duplicate Reference Designators can cause confusion in maintenance orders, BOM explosion, and variant configuration.
  Always follow your organization’s guidelines for Reference Designator assignment.
  If you are working in Variant Configuration, ensure that the Reference Designator uniqueness is maintained across all relevant objects.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  Reference Designator '&1' already assigned to &2
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to assign a Reference Designator that is already assigned to another object
  
  
  Solution
  Use a unique Reference Designator; check and correct existing assignments
  
  
  Transactions
  IE03, IL03, CS03, or relevant maintenance/configuration transactions
  
  
  Notes
  Reference Designators must be unique within their scope to avoid conflicts
  
  
  
  
  If you need help identifying the conflicting object or further assistance with your specific SAP system, please provide more details about the context (e.g., module, transaction, object type).