How To Fix WE218 - The EAN & has an incorrect check digit

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 218

• Message text: The EAN & has an incorrect check digit

What causes this issue?

By means of the <DS:GLOS.check-digit_algorithm>check-digit algorithm</>
for this EAN, the system has found that you have entered an incorrect
check digit.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Correct the check digit.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE218 - The EAN & has an incorrect check digit ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WE218: "The EAN & has an incorrect check digit":
  
  Error Message
  WE218: The EAN & has an incorrect check digit
  
  & is a placeholder for the actual EAN (European Article Number) or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) value that triggered the error.
  
  
  Cause
  The error occurs because the EAN/GTIN number provided in the IDoc or master data has an incorrect check digit. The check digit is the last digit of the EAN/GTIN and is calculated using a specific algorithm (modulus 10) to ensure the number's validity.
  
  The system validates the EAN number by recalculating the check digit and comparing it with the one provided.
  If the check digit does not match the calculated value, the system raises this error.
  This can happen due to:
  
  Manual data entry errors.
  Incorrect data mapping or conversion in interfaces.
  Corrupted or incomplete data in master data or IDocs.
  
  
  
  
  What is the Check Digit?
  
  The check digit is a form of redundancy check used for error detection on identification numbers.
  For EAN/GTIN, the check digit is calculated using the Modulo 10 algorithm:
  
  Starting from the right, sum all digits in odd positions.
  Multiply the sum of digits in even positions by 3.
  Add the two sums.
  The check digit is the number that must be added to this total to make it a multiple of 10.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Verify the EAN Number:
  
  Check the EAN number in the source data (e.g., material master, vendor master, or IDoc segment).
  Confirm that the EAN number is correct and complete.
  
  
  
  Recalculate the Check Digit:
  
  Use an online EAN/GTIN check digit calculator or a custom program to verify the check digit.
  Correct the EAN number if the check digit is wrong.
  
  
  
  Correct the Data:
  
  If the EAN is incorrect in master data, update the material master or relevant master data transaction (e.g., MM02 for material master).
  If the error is in an IDoc, correct the source system data or the mapping logic that generates the IDoc.
  
  
  
  Reprocess the IDoc or Data:
  
  After correction, reprocess the IDoc or data load.
  
  
  
  Implement Validation Checks:
  
  To prevent future errors, implement validation checks in the source system or interface to ensure EAN numbers have valid check digits before sending to SAP.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  WE02 / WE05 — To display and analyze IDocs.
  MM02 — Change material master (to correct EAN in material master).
  BD87 — Reprocess IDocs.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to EAN/GTIN validation if the error persists or if you suspect a system bug.
  
  
  
  Function Modules:
  
  NUMBER_CHECK_DIGIT_CALCULATE — Can be used to calculate the check digit programmatically.
  NUMBER_CHECK_DIGIT_CHECK — To validate the check digit.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help on EAN/GTIN and IDoc processing.
  GS1 standards for EAN/GTIN numbering.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  EAN/GTIN number has an incorrect check digit (last digit does not match calculated value)
  
  
  Solution
  Verify and correct the EAN number; recalculate and fix the check digit; update master data or source data; reprocess IDocs
  
  
  Related
  Use transactions WE02/WE05, MM02, BD87; SAP Notes; function modules for check digit validation
  
  
  
  
  If you need a sample program or script to calculate or validate the check digit, I can provide that as well. Let me know!