How To Fix VMP_MSG383 - Cannot load BOM; material already exists in the target panel

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VMP_MSG - VMP Message Manager

• Message number: 383

• Message text: Cannot load BOM; material already exists in the target panel

What causes this issue?

Using the <LS>Load BOM </>button you're trying to load a BOM for a
material that already exists for a component in the <LS>Target </>panel.

System Response

The system displays an error message and doesn't allow you load the BOM
for the material that already exists for a component in the <LS>Target
</>panel.

How to fix this error?

If you want to load the BOM, select the material in the <LS>Target
</>panel and then choose the <LS>Load BOM </>button.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VMP_MSG383 - Cannot load BOM; material already exists in the target panel ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VMP_MSG383 Cannot load BOM; material already exists in the target panel
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the process of loading or copying a Bill of Materials (BOM) in SAP, typically when using the Engineering Workbench (transaction CS11, CS12, or related tools). The system detects that the material you are trying to add or load into a BOM structure already exists in the target panel (i.e., the current BOM structure or assembly level). 
  In other words, the BOM structure you are trying to create or modify already contains the material at the same level or position, and SAP prevents duplication to maintain BOM integrity.
  
  Explanation:
  
  The BOM structure is hierarchical, and each component/material should appear only once at a given level.
  Attempting to insert or load a BOM where the same material is already present in the target node causes this error.
  This is a safeguard to avoid circular references or redundant entries in the BOM.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the BOM Structure:
  
  Use transaction CS03 (Display BOM) or CS12 (Change BOM) to review the current BOM structure.
  Verify if the material you are trying to load already exists in the target assembly or panel.
  
  
  
  Avoid Duplicate Entries:
  
  If the material is already present, decide whether you need to:
  
  Update the existing BOM item instead of adding a new one.
  Remove the existing entry before adding a new one.
  Adjust your BOM loading process to prevent duplicates.
  
  
  
  
  
  Adjust the BOM Loading Process:
  
  If you are using a tool or program to load BOMs (e.g., Engineering Workbench, LSMW, or custom programs), ensure the logic checks for existing materials before attempting to add them.
  Modify the input data or the loading sequence to avoid duplicates.
  
  
  
  Check for Circular References:
  
  Sometimes, this error can be triggered by circular BOM references (a material appearing as a component of itself indirectly).
  Use transaction CS14 (BOM Comparison) or CS15 (Where-used list) to analyze BOM relationships.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to BOM loading errors.
  Example SAP Note: 123456 (hypothetical) might address similar BOM loading issues.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  CS01 - Create BOM
  CS02 - Change BOM
  CS03 - Display BOM
  CS11 - Display BOM Level by Level
  CS12 - Change BOM Level by Level
  CS14 - BOM Comparison
  CS15 - Where-used list
  
  
  
  BOM Concepts:
  
  BOMs are structured lists of components for a material.
  Each component should be unique at a given BOM level.
  Circular references are not allowed.
  
  
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Loading BOMs from external systems or Excel files.
  Copying BOMs from one material to another.
  Mass changes or updates to BOMs.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error VMP_MSG383 Cannot load BOM; material already exists in the target panel means you are trying to add a material to a BOM where it already exists at the same level. To resolve it, check the BOM structure for duplicates, avoid adding the same material twice, and ensure your BOM loading process handles existing entries properly.
  
  If you need help with a specific transaction or program where this error occurs, please provide more details!