How To Fix WSD_MESSAGE016 - Material number not in external number range

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSD_MESSAGE - Message class for WSD

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Material number not in external number range

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSD_MESSAGE016 - Material number not in external number range ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WSD_MESSAGE016: Material number not in external number range
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to create or use a material number that falls outside the defined external number ranges for materials in the SAP system.
  In SAP, material numbers can be assigned either internally or externally:
  
  Internal number assignment: SAP automatically assigns a material number from a predefined internal number range.
  External number assignment: The user manually enters a material number, but it must fall within a predefined external number range.
  
  If you enter a material number manually (external assignment) and the number is not within the allowed external number range(s) defined in the system, SAP throws this error.
  
  Where is this controlled?
  
  The number ranges for materials are maintained in transaction MMNR (Number Range Maintenance for Material Master).
  Number ranges are defined per material type (e.g., ROH, HALB, FERT, etc.).
  Each material type can have one or more number ranges, and these ranges are split into internal and external assignment.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the number range intervals:
  
  Go to transaction MMNR.
  Select the relevant material type.
  Review the number ranges defined for that material type.
  Verify the external number ranges and ensure the material number you want to use falls within one of these ranges.
  
  
  
  Adjust the material number:
  
  If you are entering the material number manually, make sure it is within the external number range.
  If the number is outside the range, either change the number to fit within the range or...
  
  
  
  Extend or create a new external number range:
  
  If the current external number ranges are too restrictive or do not cover the numbers you want to use, extend the existing external number range or create a new one.
  Make sure the new number range does not overlap with existing ranges.
  Save the changes.
  
  
  
  Check material type settings:
  
  Ensure that the material type is set to allow external number assignment if you want to enter numbers manually.
  This is controlled in transaction OMS2 (Material Types).
  
  
  
  Use internal number assignment:
  
  Alternatively, switch to internal number assignment for the material type, so SAP assigns numbers automatically.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  This error is common when companies migrate data or try to create materials with legacy numbers that do not fit into the current SAP number range setup.
  Number ranges are critical for data consistency and avoiding duplicate material numbers.
  Always coordinate changes to number ranges with your SAP Basis or system administration team, as number range objects are client-specific and changes affect all users.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WSD_MESSAGE016: Material number not in external number range
  
  
  Cause
  Entered material number is outside the defined external number ranges for the material type
  
  
  Solution
  Check and adjust number ranges in MMNR; ensure material number fits within external range; or switch to internal assignment
  
  
  Transactions
  MMNR (Number Range Maintenance), OMS2 (Material Types)
  
  
  Notes
  Number ranges are per material type; external assignment requires manual number input within range
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with the exact steps in the system or further troubleshooting, feel free to ask!