How To Fix AD288 - Foreign key &-& (foreign key not defined)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AD - Data Dictionary application messages

• Message number: 288

• Message text: Foreign key &-& (foreign key not defined)

What causes this issue?

A field defined for a table points to a domain which has a value
table. A foreign key has not been maintained for this field.

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?

You can, but do not have to, maintain the foreign key.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AD288 - Foreign key &-& (foreign key not defined) ?

  The SAP error message AD288, which states "Foreign key &-& (foreign key not defined)," typically occurs when there is an attempt to use a foreign key relationship in a database table that has not been properly defined in the Data Dictionary (DDIC). This error can arise in various contexts, such as during data entry, report generation, or when executing certain transactions.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Foreign Key Definition: The foreign key relationship that is being referenced does not exist in the Data Dictionary. This could be due to a missing entry in the foreign key table or an incorrect configuration.
  Incorrect Table/Field Reference: The table or field being referenced may not be correctly specified, leading to the system being unable to find the foreign key relationship.
  Transport Issues: If the foreign key definition was recently transported from another system, it may not have been included or may not have been activated properly.
  Custom Development: If there are custom developments or modifications in the system, they may not have been implemented correctly, leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Foreign Key Definition:
  
  Go to the Data Dictionary (transaction SE11).
  Check the table and field definitions to ensure that the foreign key relationship is defined correctly.
  If it is missing, you may need to create the foreign key relationship.
  
  
  
  Verify Table and Field Names:
  
  Ensure that the table and field names being referenced in the error message are correct and exist in the Data Dictionary.
  
  
  
  Transport Requests:
  
  If the foreign key was supposed to be included in a transport request, check the transport logs to ensure it was successfully transported and activated in the target system.
  
  
  
  Custom Code Review:
  
  If the error is occurring due to custom code, review the code to ensure that it is correctly referencing the foreign key relationships.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review any relevant documentation or notes related to the specific transaction or process that is generating the error.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE14 (Database Utility), SE37 (Function Module), SE80 (Object Navigator).
  SAP Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.
  Testing: After making changes, ensure to test the functionality to confirm that the error has been resolved.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the AD288 error and implement a solution to resolve it.