SAP Knowledge Base Article - Public

2583967 - Unable to edit or insert new record in a custom MDF Object when there is an approval pending

Symptom

User is unable to add a new record in MDF object while there is a pending approval request.
Error: This external code [XXXXXX] already exists. Try another.

"Image/data in this KBA is from SAP internal systems, sample data, or demo systems. Any resemblance to real data is purely coincidental."

Environment

  • SAP SuccessFactors HCM Suite
  • Metadata Framework (MDF)

Reproducing the Issue

  1. Go to a custom MDF portlet and create an initial record;
  2. A workflow approval request is submitted;
  3. While the initial record is submitted for approval, click on pencil icon "Edit Pending Data" and add a record for a different Effective Start Date. The below error is encountered:



  4. After approving the first record, we are able to submit new records with different Effective Start Dates. If we try using an existing Effective Start Date, the same error is displayed.

Cause

This is a system designed behavior and occurs only when the user tries to insert a new record while the initial record for the object is still pending approval.

The first record that is added is a CREATE record. All subsequent records are INSERT or CORRECT records.

Resolution

To add subsequent records on an effective dated MDF object, the very first record needs to be created and approved.

Once the first record is approved a new workflow request can be created.

If the first record is still pending approval, user will receive the error as shown in the screenshot above, when trying to add a new record (selecting a new Effective Start Date).

After approving the first record, you will be able to submit several workflow requests for new records with different Effective Start Dates.

If you try inserting a new record with the same Effective Start Date as one record that is still pending approval, it is expected that you will see the same error.

See Also

2544336 - Custom MDF workflow and its behavior depending on Pending Data = Yes/ No

Keywords

Custom MDF object, effective date, internal, external code, Found more than one internal code for the same external code (upper). The same externalCode has already been created, record, create, insert,This external code already exists. Try another , KBA , LOD-SF-MDF-WFL , Custom Object based Workflows , Problem

Product

SAP SuccessFactors HCM Suite all versions