How To Fix 5W186 - Unsupported entry: only numbers are allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5W - Messages for PD (Particularly Workflow)

• Message number: 186

• Message text: Unsupported entry: only numbers are allowed

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5W186 - Unsupported entry: only numbers are allowed ?

  The SAP error message 5W186: Unsupported entry: only numbers are allowed typically occurs when a user attempts to input a value in a field that is expected to contain only numeric data, but the input includes non-numeric characters (such as letters, special characters, or spaces).
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Input: The most common cause is that the user has entered a non-numeric character in a field that only accepts numbers. This could be due to typing errors or copy-pasting data from another source that includes non-numeric characters.
  Field Configuration: The field may be configured in the SAP system to accept only numeric values, and any deviation from this will trigger the error.
  Data Type Mismatch: The data type defined for the field in the database or application logic may not match the input provided.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input: Review the input value and ensure that it contains only numeric characters (0-9). Remove any letters, special characters, or spaces.
  Data Validation: Implement input validation in the application to ensure that only numeric values can be entered in the field. This can help prevent the error from occurring in the first place.
  Field Configuration Review: If you have access to the configuration settings, check the field properties to ensure they are set correctly to accept numeric values.
  Error Handling: If you are developing or maintaining an SAP application, consider adding error handling to provide users with clearer feedback on what is expected in the input fields.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP's official documentation for more details on data types and field configurations.
  User Training: Providing training to users on the correct data entry practices can help minimize errors.
  Debugging: If the error persists and you are unable to identify the cause, consider using debugging tools within SAP to trace the input and see where the validation is failing.
  
  If the issue continues after checking these aspects, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP community forums for additional insights.