How To Fix WS788 - External Compensation Code &1 does not exist; check your input.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 788

• Message text: External Compensation Code &1 does not exist; check your input.

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

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.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS788 - External Compensation Code &1 does not exist; check your input. ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WS788 External Compensation Code &1 does not exist; check your input.
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when the system cannot find the specified External Compensation Code in the configuration. The External Compensation Code you entered (represented by &1 in the message) is not defined or maintained in the system.
  In SAP HR (Human Resources) or Payroll modules, External Compensation Codes are used to map internal wage types or compensation elements to external codes, often for reporting or interfacing with external systems (e.g., payroll interfaces, tax authorities, or social insurance).
  If the code you entered does not exist in the relevant customizing table, the system throws this error.
  
  Where is this maintained?
  The External Compensation Codes are maintained in the IMG under:
  
  SPRO ? Personnel Management ? Personnel Administration ? Basic Settings ? External Compensation Codes
  
  or
  
  SPRO ? Payroll ? Payroll: USA (or your country) ? External Compensation Codes
  
  The exact path depends on your country version and SAP module.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Input Code:
  
  Verify the External Compensation Code you entered is correct and does not contain typos.
  
  
  Maintain the External Compensation Code:
  
  If the code does not exist, you need to create it in the system:
  
  Go to the IMG path mentioned above.
  Maintain the External Compensation Code with the appropriate description and settings.
  
  
  
  Check Integration Settings:
  
  If this code is coming from an interface or a data upload, ensure the source system or file uses valid codes.
  
  
  Transport Changes:
  
  If the code was recently created in a development system, ensure it has been transported to the production system.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Table Involved:
  
  External Compensation Codes are often stored in table T512T or country-specific tables like T5D1 (depending on the country version).
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  SPRO for IMG customization  
  SM30 or SM31 to view/edit tables (if allowed)  
  Payroll or HR master data transactions where the code is entered.
  
  
  
  Common Scenarios:  
  
  Payroll interface errors when exporting wage types.  
  Data upload errors in HR master data or payroll infotypes.  
  Custom reports or programs referencing external compensation codes.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS788 External Compensation Code &1 does not exist
  
  
  Cause
  Code not maintained in SAP customizing
  
  
  Solution
  Maintain the code in IMG under External Compensation Codes
  
  
  Related Tables
  T512T, T5D1 (country-specific)
  
  
  Module
  SAP HR / Payroll
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with the exact IMG path or transaction for your country version, please specify the country or module.