How To Fix WB2B2273 - The external reference &1 is not unique for the item. Key &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WB2B2 - Trading Contract (part 2)

• Message number: 273

• Message text: The external reference &1 is not unique for the item. Key &2

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WB2B2273 - The external reference &1 is not unique for the item. Key &2 ?

  The SAP error message WB2B2273 indicates that there is a problem with the uniqueness of an external reference for a specific item in a business document, such as a purchase order or sales order. This error typically arises in scenarios where the system expects a unique identifier for an item, but it finds multiple entries with the same external reference.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate External References: The most common cause of this error is that the external reference (e.g., a vendor number, customer number, or any other identifier) is not unique for the item in question. This can happen if the same external reference is used for multiple items in the same document or across different documents.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual data entry errors can lead to the same external reference being assigned to different items inadvertently.
  Integration Issues: If the data is being imported from an external system, there may be issues with how the data is being mapped or transformed, leading to duplicates.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check for Duplicates: Review the document or item list to identify if there are multiple entries with the same external reference. You can do this by querying the relevant tables or using transaction codes that allow you to view the items in the document.
  Correct the Data: If duplicates are found, you will need to correct the data. This may involve:
  
  Changing the external reference for one of the items to ensure uniqueness.
  Deleting or merging duplicate entries if appropriate.
  
  
  Review Integration Settings: If the data is coming from an external system, check the integration settings to ensure that the data is being sent correctly and that there are no issues with how external references are being generated or assigned.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on handling external references in your particular module (e.g., MM, SD).
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may use transaction codes like ME23N (Display Purchase Order), VA03 (Display Sales Order), or others to view the relevant documents.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Custom Development: If your organization has custom developments or enhancements, review them to ensure they are not causing the issue.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant who can provide deeper insights into the specific configuration and data setup in your SAP environment.