How To Fix WSUBST029 - Substitution data already exists for item &1, purchase order &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSUBST - Substitution Article Handling

• Message number: 029

• Message text: Substitution data already exists for item &1, purchase order &2

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSUBST029 - Substitution data already exists for item &1, purchase order &2 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WSUBST029: "Substitution data already exists for item &1, purchase order &2":
  
  Error Message
  WSUBST029
  
  Text: Substitution data already exists for item &1, purchase order &2
  
  &1 = Item number  
  &2 = Purchase order number
  
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when you try to create or insert substitution data for a purchase order item that already has substitution data maintained in the system. In SAP, substitution rules allow automatic replacement or modification of data fields during document processing (e.g., purchase orders). The system prevents duplicate substitution entries for the same item to avoid conflicts or inconsistencies.
  In other words, the system detects that substitution data for the specified purchase order item already exists, and you are attempting to create a new substitution record for the same item, which is not allowed.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When maintaining substitution rules manually via transaction codes like ME22N (Change Purchase Order) or through substitution customizing.
  When a user or a program tries to insert substitution data for a PO item that already has substitution data.
  During batch processing or data migration where substitution data is being inserted programmatically.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check Existing Substitution Data:
  
  Verify if substitution data already exists for the purchase order item.
  Use transaction ME22N or relevant substitution maintenance transactions to check the existing substitution entries.
  
  
  
  Avoid Duplicate Entries:
  
  If substitution data exists and you want to modify it, update the existing substitution record instead of creating a new one.
  If you want to create a new substitution, ensure it is for a different item or document.
  
  
  
  Delete or Adjust Existing Substitution Data:
  
  If the existing substitution data is obsolete or incorrect, delete or correct it before creating new substitution data.
  
  
  
  Check Customizing for Substitution Rules:
  
  Go to SPRO ? Materials Management ? Purchasing ? Substitutions and review the substitution rules.
  Ensure that the substitution logic does not cause duplicate entries for the same PO item.
  
  
  
  Programmatic Handling:
  
  If the error occurs during a custom program or batch job, add logic to check for existing substitution data before inserting new records.
  Use appropriate BAPIs or function modules that handle substitution data correctly.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  ME22N – Change Purchase Order (to view or edit substitution data)
  ME21N – Create Purchase Order
  SPRO – Customizing for substitution rules
  WSUBST – Substitution maintenance (depending on SAP version)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to substitution errors or purchase order processing for any known issues or patches.
  
  
  
  Substitution Overview:
  
  Substitutions in SAP allow automatic changes to document fields based on predefined rules.
  They are maintained in customizing and can be applied at different document levels (header, item).
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to create substitution data for a PO item that already has substitution data.
  
  
  Solution
  Check and update existing substitution data instead of creating duplicates; adjust customizing or program logic.
  
  
  Related
  Use ME22N to check substitution data; review substitution customizing in SPRO; handle duplicates in custom code.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with specific steps or transaction navigation, feel free to ask!