How To Fix ALSMEX020 - Invalid record type during import of CSV file

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ALSMEX - Message Class for Legacy Data Transfer

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Invalid record type during import of CSV file

What causes this issue?

During the import of a row of a data part of a CSV file, an invalid
record type was found. Record type &v1& that is entered in row &v2& of
the input file is not defined.

How to fix this error?

Define all record types used in the data part of the input file in the
five-line header of the input file.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ALSMEX020 - Invalid record type during import of CSV file ?

  The SAP error message ALSMEX020: Invalid record type typically occurs when you are trying to import a CSV file using the LSMW (Legacy System Migration Workbench) tool in SAP, and the system encounters a record type in the CSV file that it does not recognize or is not valid for the import process.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect CSV Format: The CSV file may not be formatted correctly according to the specifications required by the LSMW project. This includes incorrect delimiters, missing headers, or incorrect data types.
  Invalid Record Type: The record type specified in the CSV file does not match any of the expected record types defined in the LSMW project.
  Data Mapping Issues: The fields in the CSV file may not correspond correctly to the fields defined in the LSMW project, leading to mismatches.
  File Encoding Issues: The CSV file may be saved in an unsupported encoding format, which can lead to misinterpretation of the data.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check CSV Format:
  
  Ensure that the CSV file adheres to the expected format. This includes checking for the correct delimiter (usually a comma or semicolon), ensuring that all required fields are present, and that the data types match the expected input.
  Open the CSV file in a text editor or spreadsheet application to verify its structure.
  
  
  
  Verify Record Types:
  
  Review the LSMW project settings to confirm the expected record types. Make sure that the record types in the CSV file match those defined in the LSMW project.
  If necessary, modify the CSV file to include the correct record types.
  
  
  
  Data Mapping:
  
  Check the mapping of fields in the LSMW project to ensure that they correspond correctly to the fields in the CSV file. Adjust the mapping if needed.
  
  
  
  File Encoding:
  
  Ensure that the CSV file is saved in a compatible encoding format, such as UTF-8. You can change the encoding in your text editor or spreadsheet application when saving the file.
  
  
  
  Test with Sample Data:
  
  Create a small sample CSV file with known valid data and try importing it to see if the error persists. This can help isolate whether the issue is with the specific data in the original CSV file.
  
  
  
  Review LSMW Documentation:
  
  Consult the LSMW documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on the expected format and structure of the CSV file.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  LSMW Documentation: SAP provides documentation on how to use LSMW, including details on file formats and data mapping.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to LSMW and CSV imports.
  Community Forums: SAP Community and other forums can be helpful for finding similar issues faced by other users and their solutions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the ALSMEX020 error during the import of your CSV file in SAP.