How To Fix VPD071 - This partner function is already being used.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VPD - Messages in SD Partner Processing

• Message number: 071

• Message text: This partner function is already being used.

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VPD071 - This partner function is already being used. ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message VPD071: "This partner function is already being used."
  
  Error Message: VPD071 - This partner function is already being used
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to assign a partner function to a business partner or customer/vendor in a sales document or master data, but that partner function is already assigned to another partner in the same context where only one partner with that function is allowed.
  In SAP SD (Sales and Distribution), partner functions define roles of business partners in a sales document or master data (e.g., Sold-to party, Ship-to party, Payer, Bill-to party). Some partner functions are unique and can only be assigned once per document or master record.
  For example, if you try to assign two partners with the partner function "Sold-to party" in a sales order, the system will throw this error because only one Sold-to party is allowed.
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  While creating or changing sales documents (sales orders, quotations, contracts).
  While maintaining customer master or business partner master data.
  When assigning partner functions in the partner determination procedure.
  When copying or referencing documents where partner functions are copied incorrectly.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the partner functions assigned:
  
  Review the partner tab in the sales document or master data.
  Identify if the partner function you are trying to assign is already assigned to another partner.
  
  
  
  Remove or change the duplicate partner function:
  
  If the partner function is already assigned to a partner, either remove the duplicate entry or assign the partner function to the correct partner only.
  
  
  
  Verify partner determination procedure:
  
  Check the partner determination procedure configuration to ensure that the partner function is set correctly.
  Some partner functions are configured as unique (only one allowed), so the system enforces this.
  
  
  
  Check for custom enhancements or user exits:
  
  Sometimes custom code or user exits might incorrectly assign partner functions multiple times.
  Review any custom logic that manipulates partner functions.
  
  
  
  Use transaction VA02 (Change Sales Order) or VD02/VD03 (Change/Display Customer) to correct the data.
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  Partner Functions: Define roles like Sold-to party (AG), Ship-to party (WE), Payer (RG), Bill-to party (RE), etc.
  Partner Determination Procedure: Controls which partner functions are required, optional, or unique.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  VA01/VA02/VA03 – Create/Change/Display Sales Order
  VD01/VD02/VD03 – Create/Change/Display Customer (Sales Area Data)
  BP – Business Partner Maintenance (in newer SAP systems)
  
  
  Configuration Path: SPRO ? Sales and Distribution ? Basic Functions ? Partner Determination ? Set Up Partner Determination
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to assign a partner function that is already assigned and must be unique.
  
  
  Effect
  System throws error VPD071 and prevents saving the document or master data.
  
  
  Solution
  Remove or correct duplicate partner function assignments; verify partner determination.
  
  
  Where to check
  Partner tab in sales documents or master data; partner determination configuration.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or scenario where you encounter this error, I can help with more specific steps.