How To Fix VMP_MSG379 - Can't perform action as reference designator already maintained in source

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VMP_MSG - VMP Message Manager

• Message number: 379

• Message text: Can't perform action as reference designator already maintained in source

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VMP_MSG379 - Can't perform action as reference designator already maintained in source ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  VMP_MSG379: Can't perform action as reference designator already maintained in source
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in the Variant Configuration (VC) or Engineering Change Management (ECM) context, typically when working with Bills of Materials (BOMs) or Routing in SAP.
  
  The Reference Designator (Ref Des) is a unique identifier used to link components or operations in a BOM or routing.
  The message indicates that the system is trying to perform an action (such as adding or changing a component or operation) but cannot proceed because the Reference Designator you are trying to assign is already maintained (used) in the source.
  In other words, the Ref Des must be unique within the context, and the system has detected a duplicate.
  
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  When creating or modifying a BOM or routing for a configurable material.
  When copying or changing BOMs/routings where Ref Des values are reused or duplicated.
  During variant configuration when the system tries to assign or validate reference designators.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check for Duplicate Reference Designators:
  
  Review the BOM or routing to identify if the Ref Des you are trying to assign already exists.
  Use transaction codes like CS03 (Display BOM) or CA03 (Display Routing) to inspect the existing Ref Des.
  
  
  
  Ensure Unique Reference Designators:
  
  Modify the Ref Des to a unique value that is not already maintained in the source.
  If you are copying BOMs or routings, ensure that the copy process does not duplicate Ref Des values.
  
  
  
  Adjust the Action or Process:
  
  If the action you are trying to perform is not necessary or can be done differently, consider alternative approaches that do not cause Ref Des conflicts.
  
  
  
  Check Variant Configuration Settings:
  
  If this occurs during variant configuration, verify the configuration profile and dependencies to ensure no conflicting Ref Des assignments.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes or Support:
  
  Sometimes, specific SAP patches or notes address issues related to Ref Des handling in BOMs or routings.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Reference Designator (Ref Des):
  
  A key field used to identify components or operations uniquely within a BOM or routing. It helps in tracking and managing components in complex assemblies.
  
  
  Transactions to check BOM and Routing:
  
  CS03 - Display BOM
  CS02 - Change BOM
  CA03 - Display Routing
  CA02 - Change Routing
  
  
  
  Variant Configuration (VC):
  
  Ref Des plays a critical role in linking characteristics and components in configurable products.
  
  
  Engineering Change Management (ECM):
  
  Changes to BOMs or routings must maintain unique Ref Des to avoid conflicts.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error VMP_MSG379 is caused by attempting to assign a Reference Designator that already exists in the source BOM or routing. The solution is to ensure that all Ref Des values are unique by checking and correcting duplicates before performing the action.
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., transaction, process step), I can help with more specific guidance!