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
- Go to a custom MDF portlet and create an initial record;
- A workflow approval request is submitted;
- 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:
- 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