How To Fix WAB156 - Next check number must be larger than current check number

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WAB - Messages Settlement Management

• Message number: 156

• Message text: Next check number must be larger than current check number

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WAB156 - Next check number must be larger than current check number ?

  The SAP error message WAB156 indicates that the next check number you are trying to enter is not larger than the current check number in the system. This typically occurs in the context of managing check payments in the SAP system, particularly when dealing with payment processing in accounts payable.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  You are attempting to process a payment or create a new check, and the next check number you input is less than or equal to the last check number that was issued.
  The check number sequence is not maintained correctly, which can happen if there are gaps or if the next number is incorrectly set.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Current Check Number:
  
  Navigate to the relevant transaction in SAP (e.g., F110 for automatic payment transactions).
  Check the last issued check number in the system. This can usually be found in the payment run logs or in the payment document.
  
  
  
  Update Next Check Number:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for check management. This can typically be found under:
  
  SPRO > Financial Accounting > Accounts Payable > Payment Transactions > Check > Define Check Number Ranges.
  
  
  Ensure that the next check number is set to a value that is greater than the current check number.
  
  
  
  Adjust Payment Program Settings:
  
  If you are using the automatic payment program (F110), ensure that the settings for the payment run are correctly configured to use the appropriate check number range.
  
  
  
  Manual Entry:
  
  If you are entering check numbers manually, ensure that you are incrementing the check number correctly and that it follows the sequence.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator for specific configurations related to check management in your system.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, perform a test payment run to ensure that the error does not reoccur.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Check Number Ranges: It is important to maintain proper check number ranges to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth payment processing.
  Payment Program Configuration: Familiarize yourself with the configuration settings for the payment program in SAP, as this can affect how check numbers are generated and managed.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to check number settings in SAP.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message.