How To Fix W4006 - &: & routing exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 006

• Message text: &: & routing exists

What causes this issue?

Routings exist for the material.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Delete the routings if necessary.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4006 - &: & routing exists ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4006 & : & routing exists
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This warning message typically appears when you try to create or assign a routing that already exists for a particular material and plant combination. In other words, the system detects that a routing with the same characteristics (such as material, plant, and routing group) is already present in the system.
  
  The first placeholder (&) usually contains the routing group.
  The second placeholder (&) usually contains the routing number or version.
  
  This message is a warning (W) rather than an error (E), so it does not necessarily stop the process but alerts the user to a potential duplicate routing.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When creating a new routing that duplicates an existing routing.
  When assigning a routing to a material and plant where a routing is already assigned.
  During mass changes or data uploads where routing data might be duplicated.
  
  
  Solution / How to resolve:
  
  
  Check Existing Routings:
  
  Use transaction CA03 (Display Routing) to check if the routing mentioned in the message already exists for the material and plant.
  Verify routing group, routing number, and version.
  
  
  
  Avoid Duplicate Routings:
  
  If the routing already exists and is correct, you may not need to create a new one.
  If you intended to create a new routing, ensure you use a different routing group or number/version.
  
  
  
  Adjust Your Data:
  
  If you are uploading data or using a tool like LSMW or BAPIs, check your source data for duplicates.
  Remove or correct duplicate entries before uploading.
  
  
  
  Use Change Instead of Create:
  
  If you want to modify an existing routing, use change transactions (e.g., CA02) instead of creating a new routing.
  
  
  
  Consult with Production Planning Team:
  
  Sometimes, multiple routings for the same material and plant are valid but differentiated by versions or usage.
  Confirm with the production planning or engineering team if multiple routings are required.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CA01 – Create Routing
  CA02 – Change Routing
  CA03 – Display Routing
  CA11 – Create Task List (Routing)
  CA12 – Change Task List
  CA13 – Display Task List
  
  
  
  Routing Components:
  
  Routing Group
  Routing Number
  Version
  Plant
  Material Number
  
  
  
  SAP Notes / Documentation:
  
  Check SAP OSS notes if the warning appears unexpectedly or during system upgrades.
  Review SAP Help Portal for detailed routing management.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Attempt to create or assign a routing that already exists.
  Solution: Verify existing routings, avoid duplicates, use change transactions if modifying, and correct data uploads.
  Impact: Warning message only; process can continue but should be reviewed to avoid data inconsistencies.
  
  
  If you provide the exact context or transaction where this message appears, I can help with more specific guidance.