How To Fix WN401 - Table &: identical entry exists &


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WN - Plant master data maintenance (integrated)

  • Message number: 401

  • Message text: Table &: identical entry exists &

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  • 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.

    Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.



    What else can you do?

    First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

    Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

    You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WN401 - Table &: identical entry exists & ?

    The SAP error message WN401 indicates that there is an attempt to create or modify an entry in a table where an identical entry already exists. This typically occurs in the context of master data management, such as when dealing with material master records, vendor master records, or other similar data structures.

    Cause:

    The error is triggered when:

    • You are trying to insert a new record into a table that already contains a record with the same key fields and values.
    • There may be a duplicate entry in the database that violates the unique constraints defined for that table.
    • The data being processed may have been incorrectly prepared or imported, leading to duplicates.

    Solution:

    To resolve the WN401 error, you can take the following steps:

    1. Check for Duplicates:

      • Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to view the contents of the relevant table and check for existing entries that match the one you are trying to create or modify.
      • Identify the key fields that are causing the duplication.
    2. Modify the Data:

      • If you find that the entry already exists, you may need to modify the data you are trying to insert to ensure it is unique.
      • If the entry is indeed a duplicate and should not exist, consider deleting or updating the existing record.
    3. Data Import/Upload:

      • If you are importing data (e.g., via LSMW, BAPIs, or other data upload methods), ensure that your source data does not contain duplicates.
      • Implement checks in your data preparation process to prevent duplicates from being included.
    4. Consult Documentation:

      • Review the SAP documentation for the specific table and its constraints to understand the unique keys and how they are defined.
    5. Error Handling:

      • Implement error handling in your code or data processing logic to catch this error and provide meaningful feedback to users.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes: SE16 (Data Browser), SE11 (Data Dictionary), and SE78 (SAP Archive Link) can be useful for checking table contents.
    • Table Structure: Understanding the structure of the table in question (e.g., primary keys, unique constraints) can help in diagnosing the issue.
    • SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the specific table or transaction you are working with.

    If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.

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