How To Fix W4004 - &: & info record exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 004

• Message text: &: & info record exists

What causes this issue?

There are info records without deletion flags for the material.

How to fix this error?

Branch to the transaction for setting deletion flags.
<DS:TRAN.ME15>Proceed</>

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4004 - &: & info record exists ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4004 & : & info record exists
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This warning message typically appears when you try to create a purchasing info record (PIR) in SAP, but an info record with the same combination of vendor, material, and purchasing organization already exists in the system.
  
  The message indicates that the system has found an existing info record for the given vendor-material combination.
  The placeholders & are replaced by actual values in the message, such as the info record number or vendor/material details.
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During creation of a purchasing info record (transaction ME11).
  When the system detects a duplicate or existing info record for the same vendor and material.
  It serves as a warning to prevent unintentional duplicate entries.
  
  
  Solution / How to handle:
  
  
  Check existing info record:
  
  Use transaction ME13 (Display Info Record) or ME12 (Change Info Record) to view the existing info record.
  Verify if the existing info record meets your requirements.
  
  
  
  If the existing info record is correct:
  
  You do not need to create a new one.
  Use the existing info record for your purchasing activities.
  
  
  
  If you need to create a new info record:
  
  Ensure that the combination of vendor, material, and purchasing organization is unique.
  You may need to adjust the purchasing organization or vendor if applicable.
  Alternatively, update the existing info record if changes are needed.
  
  
  
  Suppress the warning (not recommended):
  
  If you want to suppress the warning, it can be configured in the system, but this is generally not recommended as it may lead to data inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Purchasing Info Record (PIR): Stores data about a specific material and vendor combination, such as prices, conditions, and delivery terms.
  Transactions:
  
  ME11 – Create Info Record
  ME12 – Change Info Record
  ME13 – Display Info Record
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to info record handling.
  Customization: Info record settings can be influenced by configuration in Materials Management (MM) under Purchasing.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Attempt to create a duplicate purchasing info record.
  Solution: Verify and use the existing info record or create a new one with a unique key.
  Check: Use ME13 to display existing info records before creating new ones.
  
  
  If you provide the exact message text or system context, I can help with more precise guidance.