How To Fix 5Z452 - Reference personnel number &1 has an invalid format

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5Z - IS-HR/PSG Public Sector Payroll - Germany

• Message number: 452

• Message text: Reference personnel number &1 has an invalid format

What causes this issue?

The reference personnel number is saved on the database as a 12-digit
numerical field. The first 8 characters of the reference personnel
number must be numbers and the last 4 characters must be blank. Only
then can the reference personnel number refer to a personnel number
that is valid in the system.
The first 8 characters &V2& of the reference personnel number &V1& are
not only digits.

System Response

Due to the different date format, the incorrect personnel number is not
displayed in the <LS>RefPersNr</> field. If no entry can be made in the
field, a <LB>0</> is displayed. Otherwise, the field is blank.

How to fix this error?

If no enty can be made in the <LS>RefPersNo</> field, a warning is
displayed. If an entry can be made, you must enter a new, correct
reference personnel number. The search help for the field <LS>RefPersNo
</> gives a selection of valid reference personnel numbers.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5Z452 - Reference personnel number &1 has an invalid format ?

  The SAP error message 5Z452, which states "Reference personnel number &1 has an invalid format," typically occurs when there is an issue with the format of the personnel number being referenced in a transaction or process. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  
  Incorrect Format: The personnel number may not conform to the expected format defined in the SAP system. This could include issues such as:
  
  Wrong number of digits (e.g., too few or too many).
  Inclusion of invalid characters (e.g., letters or special characters when only numbers are expected).
  Leading or trailing spaces.
  
  
  
  Configuration Issues: The configuration settings for personnel numbers in the SAP system may not be set up correctly, leading to format validation errors.
  
  
  Data Entry Errors: Manual entry errors when inputting the personnel number can lead to this message.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Personnel Number: Verify that the personnel number you are entering matches the expected format. Ensure that:
  
  It contains the correct number of digits.
  It consists only of valid characters (usually numeric).
  There are no leading or trailing spaces.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration: If you have access to the configuration settings, check the settings for personnel number formats in the relevant SAP module (e.g., HR). Ensure that the format is correctly defined.
  
  
  Use Valid Personnel Numbers: If you are referencing personnel numbers from a list or database, ensure that the numbers are valid and exist in the system.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on the expected format for personnel numbers in your organization’s SAP implementation.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or system administrator for further assistance. They may need to investigate the configuration or data integrity in the system.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to personnel number formats.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP HR (such as PA20 for displaying employee data) to help troubleshoot the issue.
  User Training: Ensure that users entering personnel numbers are trained on the correct format and data entry practices to minimize errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error message 5Z452 and ensure that personnel numbers are entered correctly in the SAP system.