How To Fix WE303 - Specify a 2- or 3-digit value for EAN prefix

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 303

• Message text: Specify a 2- or 3-digit value for EAN prefix

What causes this issue?

You have specified the EAN prefix in an invalid format.

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?

You must enter 2 or 3 digits for an EAN prefix. This means, for
example, for standard EAN-13s that you must specify the 13th and 12th
or the 13th, 12th, and 11th digits in the EAN. EANs are read from right
to left.
Note
You enter UPC code prefixes with leading zeros.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE303 - Specify a 2- or 3-digit value for EAN prefix ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WE303: "Specify a 2- or 3-digit value for EAN prefix":
  
  Error Message:
  WE303 - Specify a 2- or 3-digit value for EAN prefix
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the processing of IDoc segments that involve EAN (European Article Number) codes or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) codes. The system expects the EAN prefix (the first part of the EAN/GTIN code) to be either 2 or 3 digits long, which corresponds to the country or GS1 prefix.
  If the EAN prefix provided in the IDoc or master data is not 2 or 3 digits, or if it is missing, the system raises this error.
  
  Background:
  
  The EAN/GTIN code structure is standardized by GS1.
  The prefix (first 2 or 3 digits) identifies the GS1 member organization or country.
  SAP validates this prefix to ensure data integrity and compliance with GS1 standards.
  
  
  Where it occurs:
  
  During IDoc inbound or outbound processing involving material master data, packaging data, or any segment that contains EAN/GTIN codes (e.g., segments like E1EDP01, E1EDP19).
  When creating or updating material master data with EAN/GTIN numbers.
  In message types related to logistics, shipping, or material master synchronization.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the EAN/GTIN code:
  
  Verify that the EAN/GTIN number provided has a valid prefix.
  The prefix should be exactly 2 or 3 digits long.
  Example: For Germany, the prefix is "400" to "440" (3 digits).
  
  
  
  Correct the EAN prefix in the source data:
  
  If the prefix is missing or incorrect, update the source system or the IDoc data to include a valid 2- or 3-digit prefix.
  Ensure that the EAN code complies with GS1 standards.
  
  
  
  Check the configuration:
  
  In some cases, the system might have custom validations or user exits that enforce this check.
  Review any custom code or user exits related to EAN validation.
  
  
  
  Reprocess the IDoc or data after correction:
  
  Once the EAN prefix is corrected, reprocess the IDoc or update the material master.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  
  Transaction / Tools:
  
  Use transaction WE02 or WE05 to analyze the IDoc and locate the segment with the invalid EAN prefix.
  Use MM02 to check material master EAN/GTIN data.
  Use GS1 documentation or GS1 official website to verify valid prefixes.
  
  
  
  Related Notes:
  
  SAP Note 123456 (example) might provide additional guidance on EAN validation.
  Check for any OSS notes related to EAN/GTIN validation errors.
  
  
  
  Common Mistakes:
  
  Using a 1-digit or 4-digit prefix.
  Typographical errors in the EAN code.
  Missing leading zeros in the prefix.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WE303 - Specify a 2- or 3-digit value for EAN prefix
  
  
  Cause
  EAN prefix in the data is missing or not 2/3 digits
  
  
  Solution
  Correct the EAN prefix to a valid 2- or 3-digit GS1 prefix
  
  
  Where to check
  IDoc segments (WE02/WE05), material master (MM02)
  
  
  Additional
  Follow GS1 standards for EAN/GTIN codes
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific IDoc segment or data snippet, I can help you identify the exact field to correct.