How To Fix WB2B389 - External reference exists for &1, only expenses can be maintained

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WB2B - Trading Contract

• Message number: 389

• Message text: External reference exists for &1, only expenses can be maintained

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WB2B389 - External reference exists for &1, only expenses can be maintained ?

  The SAP error message WB2B389 indicates that there is an external reference associated with a particular object (denoted by &1 in the message). This typically occurs in the context of managing business transactions, such as purchase orders or contracts, where the system has detected that the object is linked to an external reference, and therefore, only expense-related changes can be made.
  Cause:
  
  External Reference Exists: The object you are trying to modify has an external reference (e.g., a purchase order linked to an external system or a contract that is tied to an external vendor).
  Restrictions on Modifications: Due to the external reference, the system restricts certain types of modifications to ensure data integrity and consistency. This is common in scenarios where the object is part of a larger process that involves external systems or partners.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check External References: Review the object to identify the external reference. You can do this by checking the associated documents or transactions in SAP.
  Limit Changes to Expenses: If you need to make changes, ensure that they are limited to expense-related fields, as the error message suggests that only these can be modified.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's guidelines on handling objects with external references to understand the limitations and procedures.
  Contact Support: If you need to make changes beyond expenses or if you believe this is an error, contact your SAP support team or system administrator for assistance. They may need to remove the external reference or provide guidance on how to proceed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may be using transaction codes like ME22N (Change Purchase Order) or ME23N (Display Purchase Order) when encountering this error.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently releases notes that provide solutions or workarounds for specific error messages.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that your user role has the necessary permissions to make the changes you are attempting. Sometimes, restrictions can be due to user authorization settings.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the WB2B389 error effectively.