How To Fix VS164 - Customer Material &1 already exists. Choose another name.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VS - SD Master data

• Message number: 164

• Message text: Customer Material &1 already exists. Choose another name.

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VS164 - Customer Material &1 already exists. Choose another name. ?

  The SAP error message VS164 indicates that a customer material number you are trying to create or use already exists in the system. This error typically occurs in the context of customer-specific material management, where a unique identifier is required for each customer-material combination.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  You attempt to create a new customer material number that is already assigned to another material or customer in the system.
  There is a duplicate entry in the customer-material information table.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Customer Material Numbers:
  
  Use transaction code MM03 (Display Material) or VD03 (Display Customer Master) to check if the customer material number already exists.
  Search for the customer material number in the relevant tables (e.g., KNMT for customer-material information).
  
  
  
  Choose a Different Name:
  
  If the customer material number is indeed taken, you will need to select a different, unique name for the new customer material.
  
  
  
  Delete or Modify Existing Entries:
  
  If the existing customer material number is no longer needed, you may consider deleting it (if you have the necessary authorizations) using transaction code MM02 (Change Material) or VD02 (Change Customer Master).
  Ensure that you have the proper approvals and that deleting the entry will not affect other processes.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the existing entries or how to proceed, consult with your team or the SAP administrator to ensure that you are not disrupting any business processes.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  MM03: Display Material
  MM02: Change Material
  VD03: Display Customer Master
  VD02: Change Customer Master
  
  
  
  Tables:
  
  KNMT: Customer Material Information
  MARA: General Material Data
  KNA1: General Data in Customer Master
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any specific issues related to customer material management.
  Review SAP documentation for best practices in managing customer-specific materials.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the VS164 error and continue with your SAP processes.