How To Fix WS678 - Payment method relevant for SEPA; unique mandate reference &1 assigned

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 678

• Message text: Payment method relevant for SEPA; unique mandate reference &1 assigned

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS678 - Payment method relevant for SEPA; unique mandate reference &1 assigned ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message WS678:
  
  SAP Error Message: WS678
  Text: Payment method relevant for SEPA; unique mandate reference &1 assigned
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the processing of payment transactions in SAP when the payment method used is relevant for SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) direct debits or credit transfers, but the system detects that a unique mandate reference (UMR) has already been assigned to the payment document or the mandate reference is duplicated.
  In SEPA direct debit processing, each mandate reference must be unique per creditor to comply with SEPA regulations. The system enforces this uniqueness to avoid duplicate mandates, which could lead to payment rejections or compliance issues.
  Typical causes include:
  
  Attempting to assign a mandate reference that has already been used for another payment or mandate.
  Incorrect configuration or master data where mandate references are not properly maintained or generated.
  Manual entry of mandate references that duplicates an existing one.
  Payment method is flagged as SEPA relevant, but mandate references are not handled correctly.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WS678 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Mandate Reference:
  
  Verify the mandate reference assigned to the payment document.
  Ensure that the mandate reference is unique for the creditor and payment method.
  If the mandate reference is manually entered, correct it to a unique value.
  
  
  
  Review Payment Method Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction FBZP (Payment Program Configuration).
  Check the payment method settings under the company code and ensure that SEPA relevant payment methods are correctly configured.
  Confirm that the mandate reference generation or assignment logic is consistent.
  
  
  
  Check Customer/Vendor Master Data:
  
  Review the mandate reference stored in the customer or vendor master record (e.g., in the bank details or SEPA mandate fields).
  Ensure that the mandate reference is unique and correctly maintained.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Reports/Transactions to Find Duplicates:
  
  Use transaction SEPA_MANDATE or related SEPA mandate management tools to search for existing mandates.
  Identify if the mandate reference is already assigned to another payment or mandate.
  
  
  
  Adjust or Generate a New Mandate Reference:
  
  If duplicates exist, generate a new unique mandate reference.
  Update the payment document or master data accordingly.
  
  
  
  Check for Notes or OSS Messages:
  
  SAP OSS Notes related to SEPA mandate handling might provide patches or additional guidance.
  For example, SAP Note 1989270 or others related to SEPA mandate management.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SEPA Mandate Reference (UMR): A unique identifier assigned to a direct debit mandate, required by SEPA regulations to uniquely identify the authorization given by the debtor to the creditor.
  Payment Method Configuration: Payment methods relevant for SEPA must be configured to handle mandate references properly.
  Transactions:
  
  FBZP: Payment program configuration.
  SEPA_MANDATE: Manage SEPA mandates.
  F110: Automatic payment program, where SEPA payments are processed.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for latest SAP Notes on SEPA mandate handling and payment method configuration.
  Legal Compliance: SEPA mandates must be unique to comply with European payment regulations.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Duplicate or already assigned unique mandate reference for a SEPA relevant payment method.
  Solution: Ensure mandate references are unique, check and correct master data and payment method configuration, and generate new mandate references if necessary.
  Related: SEPA mandate management, payment program configuration, SAP Notes on SEPA.
  
  
  If you need help with specific transaction steps or configuration screenshots, feel free to ask!