Error while creating a Project - 'This Customer does not exist'

This post explains how to debug the error 'This customer does not exist' while creating a project.

Problem Description:

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In the project creation screen, the customer field's list of values shows and allows to select a particular customer. But when we hit FINISH to create the project, it gives the error message "This customer does not exists". 

Responsibility: Project Super User (or) Project Manager

Navigation: Projects : Delivery → Create Project

1. Select Create Project from Template.

2. Enter template name and click on continue.

3. Enter required fields and select the customer.

4. Click on Finish button to create the project.

Error appears as 'This Customer does not exist'.

How to Debug the issue:

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Run Customer Data Collection Test to check if the customer has been defined properly.

Responsibility: Application Diagnostics

Navigation: Diagnose

Select the Application Short Name: AR

select Customer data collection test and click on Execute.

Provide the required parameters Responsibility ID and customer account number then submit the request.

View report output for any issues with customer data.

Cause of the problem:

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The Party Name in  HZ_PARTIES (Customer Account) has the character '~'. This can be verified in Customer Data collection Diagnostics report.

The reason for the ~ character is stated in the diagnostic -
ATTENTION - The above data contains leading or trailing spaces. Values with spaces are shown between tilde (~). Search for tilde (~) in this report to find the values with spaces.

In order for PA to have a row returned to its select on the customer name, the trailing space will need to be removed.

AR data will need to be cleaned.

Solution:

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Update the Party Name or the field with tilde (~) in HZ_PARTIES table.