How To Fix 28039 - Alphanumeric expression required

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 28 - Configuration

• Message number: 039

• Message text: Alphanumeric expression required

What causes this issue?

The syntax check found an error.

System Response

The cursor marks the place in your entry where the error occurs.

How to fix this error?

The system expects an alphanumeric expression at this point: either a
characteristic of character (CHAR) format or a character string in
inverted commas.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 28039 - Alphanumeric expression required ?

  The SAP error message 28039, which states "Alphanumeric expression required," typically occurs when a program or function module expects an alphanumeric input but receives a different data type, such as numeric or binary data. This can happen in various contexts, such as when processing data in ABAP programs, function modules, or during data entry in transactions.
  Cause:
  
  Data Type Mismatch: The most common cause is that the input provided does not match the expected data type. For example, if a field is defined to accept alphanumeric characters but receives a numeric value, this error will be triggered.
  Incorrect Field Length: If the length of the input exceeds the defined length for the alphanumeric field, it can also lead to this error.
  Improper Data Conversion: If there is an attempt to convert data types without proper handling, it may lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input Data: Ensure that the data being passed to the function or program is indeed alphanumeric. This means it should only contain letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), and possibly special characters, depending on the specific requirements.
  Validate Field Length: Make sure that the length of the input data does not exceed the maximum length defined for the alphanumeric field in the database or program.
  Data Type Conversion: If you are converting data types, ensure that the conversion is done correctly. Use appropriate ABAP functions or methods to convert numeric data to alphanumeric format.
  Debugging: If you are working with custom ABAP code, use the debugger to trace the values being passed to the function or program. This can help identify where the incorrect data type is being introduced.
  Review Documentation: Check the documentation for the specific function module or program to understand the expected input formats and constraints.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Types: Familiarize yourself with the different data types in ABAP, especially how to define and handle alphanumeric fields.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes or Knowledge Base Articles (KBAs) that may address this specific error or provide additional context.
  Community Forums: Consider checking SAP Community forums or other developer forums for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.