How To Fix WE228 - EAN already assigned to unit of measure as a main EAN

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 228

• Message text: EAN already assigned to unit of measure as a main EAN

What causes this issue?

The additional EAN (International Article Number) you have entered
is already the main EAN for the current unit of measure.

System Response

The system will not accept the EAN you have entered as an additional
EAN.

How to fix this error?

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE228 - EAN already assigned to unit of measure as a main EAN ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message WE228: "EAN already assigned to unit of measure as a main EAN":
  
  Error Message:
  WE228 - EAN already assigned to unit of measure as a main EAN
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to assign an EAN (European Article Number) to a material and unit of measure (UoM) combination, but the same EAN is already assigned as the main EAN for that material with the same or different unit of measure.
  In SAP, an EAN can only be assigned once as a main EAN for a particular material and unit of measure. The system prevents duplicate assignments to maintain data consistency and avoid ambiguity in barcode scanning and material identification.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When creating or changing material master data in transaction MM02 or MM01.
  When maintaining EANs in transaction MM04 or via EAN maintenance screens.
  When uploading EAN data via IDocs or batch input sessions.
  When assigning EANs in the Logistics General (LO-GEN) or Sales and Distribution (SD) modules.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing EAN Assignments:
  
  Use transaction MM04 (Display EANs) or MM03 (Display Material) to check if the EAN is already assigned to the material.
  Alternatively, use table MARM (Units of Measure for Material) or EAN (EAN/UPC codes) to find existing assignments.
  
  
  
  Remove or Change Duplicate EAN:
  
  If the EAN is already assigned as a main EAN to the material and UoM, you cannot assign it again.
  If the EAN is assigned to a different UoM, check if this is correct or if it needs correction.
  If the EAN is assigned to a different material, verify if this is a data error and correct accordingly.
  
  
  
  Assign EAN as a Secondary EAN (if applicable):
  
  If you want to assign the same EAN to a different UoM, consider assigning it as a secondary EAN instead of a main EAN.
  Secondary EANs can be assigned to different UoMs but the main EAN must be unique per material and UoM.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction and Data:
  
  Ensure you are using the correct transaction and following the correct process for EAN assignment.
  If uploading via IDoc or batch input, check the data for duplicates before upload.
  
  
  
  Consult with Master Data Team:
  
  If unsure, consult with your master data management team or SAP support to review the EAN assignments and correct inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Tables:
  
  MARM: Units of Measure for Material
  EAN: EAN/UPC codes assigned to materials
  MARA: General Material Data
  MVKE: Sales Data for Material
  
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  MM01: Create Material
  MM02: Change Material
  MM03: Display Material
  MM04: Display EANs for Material
  MM06: Flag Material for Deletion (if needed)
  LSMW or BDC: For mass upload of EANs
  
  
  
  Notes:
  
  EANs are critical for barcode scanning and logistics processes.
  Duplicate EAN assignments can cause issues in sales, inventory, and shipping processes.
  Always validate EAN assignments during master data creation or update.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  EAN is already assigned as a main EAN to the material and unit of measure combination.
  
  
  Effect
  System prevents duplicate main EAN assignment to maintain data integrity.
  
  
  Solution
  Check existing EAN assignments, remove duplicates, assign as secondary EAN if needed.
  
  
  Transactions
  MM01, MM02, MM03, MM04 for EAN maintenance and verification.
  
  
  Tables
  MARM, EAN, MARA, MVKE for data checking and correction.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with specific steps or transaction codes, feel free to ask!