How To Fix 5A160 - Enter an infotype (mandatory)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5A - Basis Personnel Management

• Message number: 160

• Message text: Enter an infotype (mandatory)

Self-Explanatory Message

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To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5A160 - Enter an infotype (mandatory) ?

  The SAP error message 5A160 ("Enter an infotype (mandatory)") typically occurs when you are trying to perform an action in the Human Capital Management (HCM) module, such as maintaining employee data, and the system requires you to specify an infotype but you have not done so.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Infotype: The most common cause of this error is that the infotype field is left blank when it is mandatory for the transaction you are trying to execute.
  Incorrect Transaction: You may be using a transaction that requires an infotype but you are not in the correct context to provide one.
  Configuration Issues: There might be configuration settings in the system that enforce mandatory infotypes for certain actions.
  
  Solution:
  
  Enter an Infotype: When prompted with this error, you should enter a valid infotype in the designated field. Infotypes are specific data structures in SAP HCM that store employee-related information (e.g., personal data, organizational assignment, etc.).
  Check Transaction Context: Ensure that you are in the correct transaction and that it is appropriate for the action you are trying to perform.
  Review Configuration: If you believe you are entering the infotype correctly and still receiving the error, consult with your SAP administrator or technical team to review the configuration settings related to infotypes in your system.
  Use Help Documentation: Utilize SAP's help documentation or transaction codes like PA20 (Display HR Master Data) or PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) to understand which infotypes are relevant for your task.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Infotypes: Infotypes are categorized by their purpose, such as personal data (Infotype 0002), organizational assignment (Infotype 0001), and so on. Each infotype has a specific number and is used to store different types of employee information.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP HCM, as they can help you navigate to the correct infotype maintenance screens.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message, as there may be patches or updates that address specific scenarios.
  
  If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.