How To Fix WA138 - The name of & does not begin with X, Y or Z

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WA - Messages from Workflow Event Manager

• Message number: 138

• Message text: The name of & does not begin with X, Y or Z

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WA138 - The name of & does not begin with X, Y or Z ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WA138 – The name of & does not begin with X, Y or Z
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to create or use an object (such as a customer, vendor, material, or other master data) whose name or number does not start with the allowed characters X, Y, or Z. In many SAP systems, especially in development or customization environments, naming conventions are enforced to distinguish between different types of objects or to separate client-specific/custom objects from standard SAP objects.
  For example, in customer or vendor master data, the system might be configured to allow only customer/vendor numbers starting with X, Y, or Z in certain clients (like development or test clients) to avoid conflicts with production data.
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  Creating a customer or vendor master record in a client where only numbers starting with X, Y, or Z are allowed.
  Creating or naming materials, cost centers, or other master data objects with a name/number that violates the naming convention.
  Transporting objects that do not follow the naming rules set in the system.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Follow Naming Conventions:
  
  Ensure that the name or number of the object you are creating or modifying starts with X, Y, or Z as required by your system's configuration.
  
  
  Check Client Settings:
  
  The naming rule is often enforced in non-production clients (development, quality assurance). Verify if the client you are working in has such restrictions.
  
  
  Adjust Naming Rules (if appropriate):
  
  If you have authorization and it is appropriate, you can change or relax the naming conventions in the system configuration. This is usually done by system administrators or basis consultants.
  
  
  Consult with your SAP Administrator:
  
  If you are unsure why this restriction exists or how to proceed, contact your SAP system administrator or basis team. They can explain the client-specific rules or adjust the settings if necessary.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Naming Conventions in SAP:
  
  SAP often uses prefixes like X, Y, Z for custom or client-specific objects to avoid conflicts with standard SAP objects.
  
  
  Client-Specific Restrictions:
  
  These rules help maintain data integrity and prevent accidental overwriting of production data in development or test clients.
  
  
  Transport Management:
  
  Objects with names starting with X, Y, or Z are typically considered custom and are transported between clients accordingly.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes or your organization's internal documentation for specific naming conventions and client policies.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WA138: Name does not begin with X, Y, or Z
  
  
  Cause
  Object name/number violates naming rules
  
  
  Solution
  Use names starting with X, Y, or Z as required
  
  
  Notes
  Naming conventions help separate custom from standard objects
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or object type where this error occurs, I can give more tailored advice.