How To Fix /AIF/EXT_CONTACT018 - Error while changing the external contact

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /AIF/EXT_CONTACT -

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Error while changing the external contact

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /AIF/EXT_CONTACT018 - Error while changing the external contact ?

  The SAP error message /AIF/EXT_CONTACT018 typically indicates an issue related to the external contact management within the Application Interface Framework (AIF) in SAP. This error can occur when there are problems with the data being processed or when certain conditions are not met during the attempt to change an external contact.
  Cause
  The specific causes of this error can vary, but common reasons include:
  
  
  Data Validation Issues: The data being submitted for the external contact may not meet the required validation rules. This could include missing mandatory fields, incorrect data formats, or invalid values.
  
  
  Business Logic Constraints: There may be business rules or constraints defined in the system that prevent the modification of the external contact under certain conditions.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to make the change may not have the necessary authorizations to modify external contacts.
  
  
  Technical Issues: There could be underlying technical issues, such as problems with the AIF configuration, communication issues with external systems, or database constraints.
  
  
  Solution
  To resolve the /AIF/EXT_CONTACT018 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Data Input: Review the data you are trying to submit for the external contact. Ensure that all mandatory fields are filled out correctly and that the data adheres to the expected formats.
  
  
  Review Business Rules: Check if there are any specific business rules or conditions that need to be satisfied before changing the external contact. This may involve consulting with business analysts or reviewing documentation.
  
  
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to perform the action. You may need to consult with your SAP security team to verify and adjust authorizations if needed.
  
  
  Error Logs: Check the AIF error logs for more detailed information about the error. This can provide insights into what specifically went wrong during the processing of the request.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the AIF and external contact management for any known issues or additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Testing: If possible, try to replicate the issue in a test environment with different data to see if the error persists. This can help isolate the problem.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue cannot be resolved through the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error, including any relevant logs and the steps taken to reproduce the issue.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide guidance on external contact management.
  AIF Configuration: Familiarize yourself with the AIF configuration settings, as misconfigurations can lead to errors.
  User Documentation: Review user manuals or training materials related to external contact management in your SAP system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.