How To Fix 5A504 - Selected infotype & is external

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5A - Basis Personnel Management

• Message number: 504

• Message text: Selected infotype & is external

What causes this issue?

The infotype chosen in the selection screen is an external one and
cannot therefore be used for the processing of this report.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Choose an internal infotype or leave the field empty.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5A504 - Selected infotype & is external ?

  The SAP error message 5A504 indicates that the selected infotype is external. This typically occurs when you are trying to access or modify an infotype that is defined as external in the system configuration. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  External Infotype: The infotype you are trying to access is marked as external, meaning it is not intended for direct maintenance through standard SAP transactions. External infotypes are usually managed through interfaces or specific programs.
  Configuration Settings: The infotype may be configured in such a way that it is not available for direct entry or modification in the standard infotype maintenance screens.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Infotype Configuration:
  
  Use transaction SPRO to access the configuration settings.
  Navigate to Personnel Management > Personnel Administration > Infotypes > Define Infotypes.
  Check the settings for the specific infotype to confirm if it is marked as external.
  
  
  
  Use Appropriate Transaction:
  
  If the infotype is indeed external, you may need to use a specific transaction or program designed to handle that infotype. Consult your SAP documentation or your system administrator for the correct method to access or modify the data.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access the infotype. Sometimes, access restrictions can lead to error messages.
  
  
  
  Consult with Technical Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the infotype's purpose or how to handle it, consult with your SAP technical team or functional consultant. They can provide guidance on how to proceed.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Infotypes: Infotypes are data structures in SAP that store specific types of information related to personnel management, such as personal data, organizational assignments, and payroll data.
  External Infotypes: These are typically used for data that is managed outside of the standard SAP HR module, often through interfaces with other systems or applications.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to the specific infotype you are working with.
  
  If you continue to experience issues or need further assistance, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP helpdesk for more tailored support.