How To Fix WE308 - You are processing an EAN category with the UPC-E short format

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 308

• Message text: You are processing an EAN category with the UPC-E short format

What causes this issue?

You are maintaining an EAN category with the same short format as the
EAN category for <LS>UPC-E</> codes (EAN category with check-digit
algorithm <LS>6</>). This will prevent you from using the EAN category
for UPC-E codes since, in dialog mode, the system will not be able to
tell whether you are using a UPC-E code or the EAN category you are
maintaining here.
Note
The display format of the EAN category <LS>UPC-E</> consists of one
leading zero, a six-figure EAN code, and a single-figure check digit.
However, it is saved in the database in the long form like a normal
UPC.

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?

If you also want to use the EAN category you are maintaining, you must
adapt the number range(s) used so that they do not have the same short
<ZH>display</> format as the EAN category <LS>UPC-E</>. The number
range does not include the leading zero and check digit.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE308 - You are processing an EAN category with the UPC-E short format ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WE308 – "You are processing an EAN category with the UPC-E short format"
  
  Cause:
  The error message WE308 occurs during the processing of EAN (European Article Number) codes when the system encounters a UPC-E barcode in a context where it expects a standard EAN format. Specifically, the UPC-E is a compressed version of the UPC-A barcode used mainly in North America, and it has a different structure and length.
  SAP's IDoc or EDI processing expects EAN codes in a certain format (usually EAN-13 or EAN-8). When a UPC-E short format barcode is processed without proper handling or conversion, the system raises this error because it cannot interpret the UPC-E format correctly.
  
  Explanation:
  
  EAN category refers to the type of barcode being processed.
  UPC-E short format is a shortened version of the UPC barcode, typically 6 digits, which needs to be expanded to UPC-A (12 digits) or converted to EAN-13 for proper processing.
  The error indicates a mismatch between the barcode format expected and the barcode format received.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Convert UPC-E to UPC-A or EAN-13 before processing:
  
  Implement logic in your data processing or interface to convert UPC-E barcodes to their full UPC-A equivalent.
  SAP standard does not automatically convert UPC-E to EAN-13; this must be handled externally or via custom code.
  
  
  
  Check and adjust the EAN category settings:
  
  Verify the EAN category assigned in the master data or IDoc segments.
  Ensure that the barcode type matches the expected format in SAP.
  
  
  
  Update or enhance the interface mapping:
  
  If the barcode data comes from an external system or EDI partner, request that they send the barcode in a supported format.
  Alternatively, enhance the inbound processing logic (e.g., in user exits or BAdIs) to handle UPC-E conversion.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to EAN/UPC processing for any patches or standard solutions.
  Sometimes, SAP provides standard function modules or conversion routines for barcode formats.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  EAN/UPC standards:  
  
  EAN-13: 13-digit barcode used internationally.  
  UPC-A: 12-digit barcode used mainly in North America.  
  UPC-E: 6-digit compressed version of UPC-A.
  
  
  
  SAP Modules Involved:  
  
  Logistics Execution (LE)  
  Sales and Distribution (SD)  
  Materials Management (MM)  
  EDI/IDoc processing
  
  
  
  Function Modules:  
  
  NUMBER_CONVERSION_UPCE_TO_UPCA (if available) or custom logic to expand UPC-E.
  
  
  
  IDoc Segments:  
  
  Check segments like E1EDP01 or E1EDP19 where EAN codes are processed.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The WE308 error arises because SAP is receiving a UPC-E barcode but expects a standard EAN format. The solution is to convert UPC-E barcodes to UPC-A or EAN-13 before processing or adjust the system to handle UPC-E properly. This may involve interface changes, master data corrections, or custom enhancements.
  
  If you need help with a specific scenario or code to convert UPC-E to UPC-A in SAP, feel free to ask!