IM496 - Order type with external number assignment not allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IM - Maintenance notifications

• Message number: 496

• Message text: Order type with external number assignment not allowed

What causes this issue?

You want to create an order directly from the notification. However, you
have chosen an order type that requires external number assignment.

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

System Response

The system will not allow you to make an entry here.

How to fix this error?

Choose an order type that allows internal number assignment.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IM496 - Order type with external number assignment not allowed ?

  The SAP error message IM496 ("Order type with external number assignment not allowed") typically occurs when you are trying to create an order using a specific order type that is configured to use internal number assignment, but you are attempting to assign an external number to it. This can happen in various modules, such as Production Planning (PP), Plant Maintenance (PM), or Project System (PS).
  Cause:
  
  Order Type Configuration: The order type you are using is set up in the system to use internal number assignment. This means that the system automatically generates the order number when an order is created.
  External Number Assignment Attempt: You are trying to manually enter an order number or use a number that is not generated by the system, which is not allowed for that specific order type.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Order Type Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for the order type in transaction code SPRO.
  Navigate to the relevant section for the order type (e.g., for PM: Plant Maintenance and Customer Service > Maintenance and Service Processing > Maintenance Orders > Order Types > Define Order Types).
  Verify the settings for the order type in question. Ensure that it is set to use internal number assignment.
  
  
  
  Use Internal Number Assignment:
  
  If the order type is configured for internal number assignment, do not attempt to enter an external number. Instead, let the system generate the order number automatically.
  
  
  
  Change Order Type (if necessary):
  
  If you need to use external number assignment for a specific business requirement, consider creating a new order type that allows for external number assignment. This can be done in the same configuration area mentioned above.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator for specific details on how to configure order types and number assignment settings.
  
  
  
  User Training:
  
  Ensure that users are trained on the correct procedures for creating orders and understand the implications of the order type settings.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SPRO for configuration settings.
  IW31 for creating maintenance orders (if applicable).
  CO01 for creating production orders (if applicable).
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional insights or updates related to this error message.
  
  
  Support: If the issue persists after checking the configuration and following the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IM496 error and successfully create orders in SAP.