How To Fix W4001 - &: & purchase order exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 001

• Message text: &: & purchase order exists

What causes this issue?

Purchase order items were found for this material and this plant.

How to fix this error?

If the purchase order items have not subsequently been processed, you
can delete the purchase order items for the material and the plant.
If full goods receipt has not yet taken place for a particular purchase
order item, you can reset the purchase order quantity.
If the purchase order item has been delivered in full, but not yet
completely settled, you have to wait for the invoice verification
function to act on this.
If a purchase order has been processed in full, you can delete the
processed purchase order items using the archiving programs.

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

<DS:TRAN.ME22N>Change purchase order</>
<DS:TRAN.ME98>Archive purchase order</>

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4001 - &: & purchase order exists ?

  The SAP error message W4001 & : & purchase order exists typically occurs when there is an attempt to create or process a purchase order (PO) that already exists in the system. This is a warning message indicating a potential duplication or conflict with an existing PO number.
  
  Cause:
  
  The system detects that the purchase order number you are trying to create or use already exists in the database.
  This can happen if:
  
  You manually enter a PO number that is already assigned.
  The number range for purchase orders is not properly maintained or overlaps.
  There is a mismatch or error in the number assignment logic.
  A previous PO was created but not properly closed or archived.
  
  
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Purchase Orders:
  
  Use transaction ME23N (Display Purchase Order) or ME22N (Change Purchase Order) to verify if the PO number already exists.
  If it exists, review the PO to determine if you should use it or create a new one.
  
  
  
  Use Automatic Number Assignment:
  
  Instead of manually entering the PO number, allow SAP to assign the number automatically based on the configured number range.
  Check the number range configuration in transaction SNRO or ME21N settings.
  
  
  
  Review Number Range Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction OMWN or SNRO to check the number range intervals for purchase orders.
  Ensure that the number ranges do not overlap and are correctly maintained.
  If necessary, extend or create a new number range interval.
  
  
  
  Avoid Manual Entry of PO Number:
  
  If your business process allows, avoid manual entry of PO numbers to prevent duplication.
  
  
  
  Check for Incomplete or Locked POs:
  
  Sometimes, incomplete or locked POs might cause conflicts.
  Use transaction ME23N or ME22N to check the status of the PO.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Message Class: W4 (Purchase Order related messages)
  Transaction Codes: ME21N (Create PO), ME22N (Change PO), ME23N (Display PO), SNRO (Number Range Objects)
  Number Range Object: EINKBELEG (Purchase Order Number Range)
  SAP Notes: Check SAP OSS notes related to purchase order number range issues if the problem persists.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  W4001 warning means the PO number you are trying to use already exists.
  Verify existing POs before creating new ones.
  Use automatic number assignment to avoid duplicates.
  Maintain and check number ranges properly.
  
  If you continue to face issues, consider consulting your SAP Basis or MM module consultant to review the number range setup and system configuration.