How To Fix WS772 - Item number &1 already exists (item was deleted)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 772

• Message text: Item number &1 already exists (item was deleted)

What causes this issue?

The item number &V1& was deleted from the current list. It can only be
assigned after saving.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS772 - Item number &1 already exists (item was deleted) ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS772 - Item number &1 already exists (item was deleted)
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to create or add an item with a number that was previously used in the document but has been deleted (soft deleted) and not completely removed from the database. In SAP, when an item is deleted, it is often only flagged as deleted but still exists in the system. Attempting to reuse the same item number in the same document leads to this error because the system detects the item number as already existing (though marked deleted).
  
  Explanation:
  
  The item number you are trying to use was assigned to an item that was deleted in the document.
  SAP does not allow reusing the same item number in the same document if the old item is only flagged as deleted but not physically removed.
  This is a consistency check to avoid confusion or data integrity issues.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Use a different item number:
  
  Instead of reusing the deleted item number, assign a new, unique item number for the new item.
  
  
  Undelete the item (if applicable):
  
  If the deletion was a mistake, you can try to undelete or restore the item instead of creating a new one with the same number.
  
  
  Complete deletion (if possible):
  
  In some cases, a complete deletion or cleanup of the document might be necessary, but this is usually not recommended or possible in standard SAP transactions.
  
  
  Check for system inconsistencies:
  
  If the item was deleted but the system still blocks the number, it might be a system inconsistency. Running database consistency checks or consulting with SAP Basis/Support might be needed.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This message is common in sales documents (e.g., sales orders, deliveries) or purchase documents where item numbers are critical.
  The message text:
  
  Item number &1 already exists (item was deleted)
  
  Here, &1 is the item number you tried to reuse.
  SAP Note references (if available) can provide more detailed guidance depending on the module and transaction.
  Always ensure proper document handling and avoid manual database changes to prevent such issues.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to reuse an item number that was previously deleted (soft deleted) in the document.
  
  
  Solution
  Use a new item number or undelete the existing item; avoid reusing deleted item numbers.
  
  
  Related
  Occurs in sales/purchase documents; check for system inconsistencies if problem persists.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the transaction or module where this occurs, I can help with more specific instructions or SAP Notes.