How To Fix WS420 - Document was processed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 420

• Message text: Document was processed

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.

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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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS420 - Document was processed ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS420 - Document was processed
  
  Cause:
  The error message WS420 - Document was processed typically occurs when you attempt to process a document (such as a workflow task, a financial document, or a goods movement) that has already been processed or completed in the system. This means the system recognizes that the document or transaction you are trying to act upon has already been handled, and therefore it cannot be processed again.
  Common scenarios include:  
  
  Trying to post or re-post a document that is already posted.  
  Attempting to approve or reject a workflow task that has already been completed.  
  Re-processing a goods receipt or invoice that has already been processed.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Document Status:
  
  Verify the status of the document in question. Use transaction codes or reports relevant to the document type to confirm if it has already been processed.
  
  
  Avoid Duplicate Processing:
  
  If the document is already processed, avoid trying to process it again. Instead, check if you need to reverse or cancel the document before re-processing.
  
  
  Workflow Tasks:
  
  If this error appears in the context of workflow, check the workflow log (transaction SWI1 or SWIA) to see the current status of the task. If the task is already completed, no further action is needed.
  
  
  Check for Locks or Inconsistencies:
  
  Sometimes, the system might have inconsistencies or locks that cause this message. Use transaction SM12 to check for locked entries related to the document and release them if appropriate.
  
  
  Consult Document Flow:
  
  For financial or logistics documents, check the document flow to understand the processing history and ensure no duplicate postings.
  
  
  Technical Analysis:
  
  If the issue persists and is unclear, check the short dump (transaction ST22) or system logs (transaction SM21) for more detailed error information.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  FB03 - Display Financial Document  
  MB03 - Display Material Document  
  SWI1 / SWIA - Workflow Logs and Tasks  
  SM12 - Lock Entries  
  ST22 - ABAP Runtime Errors  
  SM21 - System Log
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Service Marketplace or SAP Support Portal for notes related to WS420 or the specific document type you are processing.
  
  
  User Authorization:
  
  Sometimes, insufficient authorization can cause processing issues. Verify user roles and authorizations if the problem is related to workflow or document processing.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The WS420 Document was processed error indicates an attempt to process a document that has already been handled. The solution involves verifying the document status, avoiding duplicate processing, checking workflow task status, and ensuring no system locks or inconsistencies exist. Use appropriate SAP transactions to analyze and resolve the issue.