How To Fix WER020 - *****021 - 039: Elements ALREADY EXIST**************************

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WER - Messages for the package WER

• Message number: 020

• Message text: *****021 - 039: Elements ALREADY EXIST**************************

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WER020 - *****021 - 039: Elements ALREADY EXIST************************** ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  **WER020 ***021 - 039: Elements ALREADY EXIST
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs when you try to create or insert an element (such as a characteristic, class, material master record, or any other object) that already exists in the system. The system detects a duplicate entry based on the key fields or identifiers and prevents the creation to maintain data integrity.
  Common scenarios include:  
  
  Attempting to create a classification characteristic or class that already exists.  
  Trying to add a material master or BOM component that is already present.  
  Importing or uploading data where duplicates exist in the source or target system.  
  Creating master data or customizing entries with keys that are already used.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check for Existing Entries:
  
  Before creating a new element, verify if it already exists in the system. Use transaction codes or reports to search for the element by its key or name.
  
  
  Use Change Instead of Create:
  
  If the element exists and you want to modify it, use the change transaction instead of create.
  
  
  Remove Duplicates in Uploads:
  
  If the error occurs during data upload (e.g., via LSMW, BAPI, or IDoc), ensure the source data does not contain duplicates. Clean or preprocess the data to remove duplicates before upload.
  
  
  Check Customizing or Master Data:
  
  In customizing or master data maintenance, verify that the key fields are unique and do not conflict with existing entries.
  
  
  Debug or Analyze Logs:
  
  If the cause is unclear, analyze the short dump or system logs to identify the exact object causing the conflict.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Sometimes, specific SAP Notes address known issues related to this error message in certain modules or versions.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  CL02 / CL03 (Change / Display Class)  
  MM01 / MM02 (Create / Change Material)  
  CS01 / CS02 (Create / Change BOM)  
  SE16 / SE16N (Data Browser to check tables)  
  
  
  
  Tables to Check:  
  
  KLAH (Class header)  
  KSSK (Characteristic values)  
  MARA (Material master)  
  STPO (BOM items)  
  
  
  
  Common SAP Notes:
  
  Search for notes related to "WER020" or "Elements already exist" in the SAP Support Portal for module-specific fixes or patches.
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context (module, transaction, or process) where this error occurs, I can help with more targeted advice.