How To Fix WS242 - Several document headers were copied with the same identification &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 242

• Message text: Several document headers were copied with the same identification &1

What causes this issue?

The system checked the document header data for uniqueness. It found
several document headers with the same identification &V1&. As a
result, items are not assigned to a document header.

System Response

You cannot execute the function.

How to fix this error?

Check the BAPI transfer data.

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 WS242 - Several document headers were copied with the same identification &1 ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS242 - Several document headers were copied with the same identification &1
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to create or copy multiple document headers in a process (such as posting documents, creating financial documents, or during batch input sessions), and the system detects that more than one document header has the same identification number (document number or key). SAP requires each document header to have a unique identification to avoid confusion and ensure data integrity.
  Common scenarios causing this error include:
  
  Batch input or data migration sessions where document numbers are not unique.
  Custom programs or user exits that generate document numbers incorrectly.
  Manual copying of documents where the document number is not changed or is duplicated.
  Incorrect number range configuration or number assignment logic.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Document Numbering:
  
  Verify that the document numbers being used are unique.
  If you are using external document numbers, ensure no duplicates exist.
  For internal numbering, check the number range intervals and current number status.
  
  
  
  Review Batch Input or Data Migration:
  
  If the error occurs during batch input or data migration, check the input data for duplicate document numbers.
  Adjust the data to ensure unique document numbers before processing.
  
  
  
  Check Custom Code or User Exits:
  
  If custom programs or user exits are involved in document creation, review the logic that assigns document numbers.
  Ensure that the logic generates unique document numbers for each document header.
  
  
  
  Number Range Objects:
  
  Check the number range object assigned to the document type.
  Use transaction SNRO or FBN1 (for FI documents) to verify number ranges.
  If the number range is exhausted or incorrectly set, extend or correct it.
  
  
  
  Reprocess or Correct Data:
  
  If duplicates have been created, identify and correct or delete the duplicate documents.
  Reprocess the documents with corrected unique numbers.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  FB02 - Change Document
  FBN1 - Maintain Number Ranges for Accounting Documents
  SNRO - Number Range Objects
  SM35 - Batch Input Monitoring (if batch input is involved)
  
  
  
  Notes and SAP Help:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to document numbering and batch input errors.
  SAP Help Portal documentation on document numbering and error handling.
  
  
  
  General Advice:
  
  Always ensure unique document numbers in financial and logistics documents.
  Use internal numbering where possible to avoid duplicates.
  Regularly monitor number ranges to prevent exhaustion or overlaps.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the context in which this error occurs (e.g., transaction, program, batch input), I can help with more specific guidance.