SAP Knowledge Base Article - Public

3640876 - Error "This external code for parent already exists" When Updating Position

Symptom

  • Issue encountered when attempting to update the Position Object.
  • Error message displayed: "This external code for parent already exists. Try another."

Environment

SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central

Reproducing the Issue

  1. Navigate to the Position Object in Manage Positions.
  2. Attempt to update the matrix relationship.
  3. Observe the error message: "This external code for parent already exists. Try another."

Cause

  • The issue is caused by business rules configured on the Position Object.
  • There is a rule that is trying to create a matrix relationship that already exists causing the error

Resolution

  1. Navigate to "Configure Object Definitions".
  2. Search for "Object Definition -> Position."
  3. Identify the rules that are creating job relationships 
  4. Modify or disable the rule to prevent it from attempting to create a duplicate matrix relationship. Adjust the rule as per business requirements.

See Also

2306515 - Position Matrix Relationship to Job Relationship Sync Troubleshooting Guide - EC - SAP for Me

Keywords

functional manager update error, position object validation rule, rule issue, duplicate relationship, sap successfactors employee central, position management error, external code parent exists, validate rule configuration, position object update error, sap mdf configuration issue, hr manager rule error, sap successfactors position update , KBA , LOD-SF-EC-POS , Position Management , LOD-SF-EC-POS-MUI , Custom MDF UI Configuration (Default Screen) , Problem

Product

SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central all versions