How To Fix VW198 - Stage & (Key & &), &: Definition is not unique

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VW - Shipment Processing Output

• Message number: 198

• Message text: Stage & (Key & &), &: Definition is not unique

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VW198 - Stage & (Key & &), &: Definition is not unique ?

  The SAP error message VW198, which states "Stage & (Key & &), &: Definition is not unique," typically occurs in the context of SAP's logistics and production planning modules, particularly when dealing with routing or process flows. This error indicates that there is a conflict or ambiguity in the definitions of stages or keys in the system.
  Cause:
  
  
  Duplicate Entries: The most common cause of this error is the presence of duplicate entries for a stage or key in the relevant configuration tables. This can happen if multiple definitions exist for the same stage or key, leading to confusion in the system.
  
  
  Incorrect Configuration: If the configuration of the routing or process flow is not set up correctly, it can lead to non-unique definitions. This might occur during the creation or modification of routing or process flows.
  
  
  Transport Issues: If changes were transported from one system to another (e.g., from development to production) and there were conflicts or issues during the transport, it could lead to this error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check for Duplicates: 
  
  Go to the relevant transaction (e.g., CA03 for routing) and check for duplicate entries for the stage or key mentioned in the error message.
  Use transaction SE11 to check the database tables related to routing or process flows for duplicate entries.
  
  
  
  Correct Configuration: 
  
  Review the configuration settings for the routing or process flow. Ensure that each stage or key is defined uniquely.
  If necessary, delete or modify the duplicate entries to ensure that each definition is unique.
  
  
  
  Transport Review: 
  
  If the issue arose after a transport, review the transport logs to identify any conflicts or issues that may have occurred during the transport process.
  If needed, revert the changes or re-transport the correct versions of the objects.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific module you are working with for any known issues or additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: 
  
  If the issue persists after checking for duplicates and correcting configurations, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CA03 (Display Routing), CA01 (Create Routing), and CA02 (Change Routing) to navigate the routing configurations.
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to error VW198 in the SAP Support Portal for any specific patches or updates that may address this issue.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, providing insights or solutions from other users' experiences.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the VW198 error in your SAP system.