How To Fix WS880 - Multiple article numbers found for EAN &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 880

• Message text: Multiple article numbers found for EAN &

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 WS880 - Multiple article numbers found for EAN & ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS880 - Multiple article numbers found for EAN &
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when SAP tries to find a unique article (material) number based on the provided EAN (European Article Number, i.e., barcode), but multiple materials are linked to the same EAN in the system. Since the system expects a one-to-one relationship between an EAN and a material number, it cannot determine which material to use, resulting in this error.
  
  Explanation:
  
  The EAN (barcode) is supposed to uniquely identify a material.
  If multiple materials share the same EAN, SAP cannot resolve which material to pick.
  This situation often arises due to data inconsistencies or incorrect master data maintenance.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Material Master Data:
  
  Use transaction MM03 (Display Material) or MM04 (Change Material) to review materials linked to the EAN.
  Identify all materials that have the same EAN assigned.
  
  
  
  Identify Duplicate EAN Assignments:
  
  Use transaction MMBE or a custom report to find all materials assigned to the EAN.
  Alternatively, use table MARA or EANLH (EAN/UPC codes) to search for duplicates.
  
  
  
  Correct the Data:
  
  Remove or correct the duplicate EAN assignments so that each EAN corresponds to only one material.
  If multiple materials legitimately share the same EAN (which is unusual), consider assigning unique EANs or adjusting business processes.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Verify if any custom logic or user-exits are causing the issue.
  Ensure that the EAN assignment follows the company’s master data governance.
  
  
  
  Re-try the Transaction:
  
  After correcting the data, retry the transaction that caused the error.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Tables involved:
  
  MARA - General Material Data
  EANLH - EAN/UPC Codes for Materials
  MARC - Plant Data for Material
  
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  MM03 - Display Material
  MM04 - Change Material
  MMBE - Stock Overview (can help identify materials by EAN)
  SE16/SE16N - Table Browser to check EANLH for duplicates
  
  
  
  Notes:
  
  EANs should be unique per material to avoid confusion in sales, inventory, and logistics processes.
  If your business scenario requires multiple materials to share an EAN (e.g., variants), consult with SAP support or your SAP functional consultant for best practices.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Multiple materials assigned the same EAN.
  Solution: Identify and correct duplicate EAN assignments so that each EAN corresponds to a single material.
  Check: Material master data, EAN assignments, and correct inconsistencies.
  
  
  If you need help identifying duplicates, you can run this simple query in SE16N on table EANLH:
  SELECT EAN, COUNT(MATNR) 
  FROM EANLH 
  GROUP BY EAN 
  HAVING COUNT(MATNR) > 1;
  This will list all EANs assigned to more than one material.
  
  Let me know if you need assistance with specific steps or scripts!