How To Fix WE216 - The EAN & may not be assigned externally

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WE - Messages for EAN Customizing and for EAN management in MM_BD

• Message number: 216

• Message text: The EAN & may not be assigned externally

What causes this issue?

You have entered an EAN or a UPC to which no external number range
interval is assigned.
This error may occur
if only an internal interval or if no interval exists for the number
you have entered
if you have entered an alphanumeric EAN, and this number belongs to a
number range interval of a number category for which no alphanumeric
EANs are permitted

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Enter a valid number.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE216 - The EAN & may not be assigned externally ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WE216: "The EAN & may not be assigned externally":
  
  Error Message
  WE216: The EAN & may not be assigned externally
  
  & is a placeholder for the EAN (European Article Number) or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) value.
  
  
  Cause
  This error occurs during the processing of IDoc segments related to material master or related data when an EAN (barcode) is being assigned or processed. The message indicates that the EAN number in question is not allowed to be assigned externally in the current context.
  In SAP, EANs can be maintained internally or externally depending on configuration and business rules. The error typically arises because:
  
  The EAN number is being assigned or updated via an external interface (e.g., IDoc inbound processing), but the system configuration or master data settings do not allow external assignment of this EAN.
  The EAN is already assigned internally and cannot be overwritten or assigned externally.
  The EAN assignment is restricted by customizing settings in the material master or EAN management.
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During inbound IDoc processing (e.g., MATMAS, INVRPT, or other material-related IDocs) where EANs are part of the data.
  When trying to assign or update an EAN via an external interface, but the system settings prohibit this.
  When the EAN is already assigned to a material internally and the inbound process tries to assign it again externally.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check EAN assignment settings:
  
  Verify the configuration in transaction OMSN (EAN/UPC management) or related customizing to see if external assignment of EANs is allowed.
  Check if the EAN is already assigned internally to a material. If yes, external assignment may be blocked.
  
  
  
  Review the inbound IDoc data:
  
  Ensure that the EAN data being sent is correct and consistent with the system's master data.
  If the EAN should be assigned externally, check if the system allows this in the current configuration.
  
  
  
  Adjust master data or configuration:
  
  If external assignment is required, adjust the customizing to allow external assignment of EANs.
  Alternatively, update the EAN assignment internally in SAP before processing the inbound IDoc.
  
  
  
  Check user exits or BAdIs:
  
  Sometimes, custom logic in user exits or BAdIs related to EAN assignment may restrict external assignment. Review and adjust if necessary.
  
  
  
  Reprocess the IDoc after corrections:
  
  After making the necessary changes, reprocess the IDoc to confirm the error is resolved.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction OMSN: EAN/UPC management customizing.
  Material Master (MM02): Check EAN/UPC tab for existing assignments.
  IDoc Types: MATMAS (Material Master), INVRPT (Inventory Report), etc.
  User Exits/BAdIs: Check for custom logic affecting EAN assignment.
  SAP Notes related to EAN assignment and IDoc processing may provide additional guidance.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WE216: The EAN & may not be assigned externally
  
  
  Cause
  EAN assignment via external interface not allowed due to system configuration or data.
  
  
  Solution
  Check and adjust EAN assignment settings, master data, and inbound IDoc data.
  
  
  Transactions
  OMSN (EAN management), MM02 (Material Master), WE02/WE19 (IDoc monitoring/testing)
  
  
  Additional
  Review custom enhancements affecting EAN assignment.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with specific steps or transaction codes, feel free to ask!