How To Fix WRF_REF012 - &4 Existing assignment cannot be overwritten

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_REF - Messages from References for Materials Without History

• Message number: 012

• Message text: &4 Existing assignment cannot be overwritten

What causes this issue?

The system cannot overwrite the reference assignment for the combination
of material &V1& and plant &V2&according to the general settings for
multiple references.

System Response

The system cannot process this combination during the automatic
assignment of references.

How to fix this error?

If you want to change the existing reference assignment, use the dialog
program <LS>References for Materials without History</>.

Procedure for System Administrators

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 WRF_REF012 - &4 Existing assignment cannot be overwritten ?

  The SAP error message WRF_REF012 with the description "Existing assignment cannot be overwritten" typically occurs in the context of the SAP Retail module, particularly when dealing with master data assignments, such as those related to articles, vendors, or other entities.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when you attempt to create or modify an assignment (like a vendor to an article or a store to an article) that already exists in the system. The system prevents overwriting existing assignments to maintain data integrity and avoid conflicts.
  Solution:
  To resolve the WRF_REF012 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Assignments:
  
  Navigate to the relevant transaction (e.g., for article/vendor assignments) and check if the assignment you are trying to create already exists.
  Use transaction codes like MM02 (Change Material) or MM03 (Display Material) to view existing assignments.
  
  
  
  Modify Instead of Overwrite:
  
  If the assignment already exists and you need to change it, use the appropriate transaction to modify the existing assignment rather than trying to create a new one.
  
  
  
  Delete Existing Assignment:
  
  If the existing assignment is no longer needed, you may delete it first before creating a new one. Ensure that this action is in line with your business processes and data governance policies.
  
  
  
  Check for Data Consistency:
  
  Ensure that there are no inconsistencies in the data that might be causing the error. This includes checking for any related master data that might be affecting the assignment.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific module you are working with for any additional guidance or known issues.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP Retail, such as WRF1 (Create Article), WRF2 (Change Article), and WRF3 (Display Article).
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to WRF_REF012 for any patches or updates that may address this issue.
  Data Governance: Ensure that your organization has clear data governance policies to manage master data effectively and avoid conflicts.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a suitable solution.