How To Fix ALSMEX036 - Cannot convert field contents to sensible date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 036

• Message text: Cannot convert field contents to sensible date

What causes this issue?

The '&v1&' field in the Excel input file is assigned to a date field in
the asset master record.
The value of the field (&v2&) was converted to the date '&v3&'.
However, this is not a sensible date.

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?

Check the contents of the field in the input file and change them so
that they agree with the date format that is set.
Or, if the '&v1&' field was incorrectly assigned to an amount field,
create a new field assignment.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ALSMEX036 - Cannot convert field contents to sensible date ?

  The SAP error message ALSMEX036 ("Cannot convert field contents to sensible date") typically occurs when the system encounters a date format that it cannot interpret or convert into a valid date. This error is often seen in the context of data uploads, particularly when using transaction codes like LSMW (Legacy System Migration Workbench) or when importing data from external sources.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect Date Format: The date being imported may not match the expected format defined in the SAP system (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY vs. MM/DD/YYYY).
  Invalid Date Values: The date values may contain invalid dates (e.g., February 30th, April 31st).
  Leading/Trailing Spaces: The date field may contain leading or trailing spaces that prevent proper conversion.
  Data Type Mismatch: The field in the source data may not be defined as a date in the target SAP structure.
  Localization Issues: Different regional settings may lead to discrepancies in date formats.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Date Format: Ensure that the date format in the source data matches the expected format in SAP. You can check the expected format in the SAP system settings or documentation.
  Validate Date Values: Review the data for any invalid dates and correct them. Ensure that all dates are valid and exist in the calendar.
  Trim Spaces: Remove any leading or trailing spaces from the date fields in the source data.
  Data Mapping: Ensure that the mapping in LSMW or any data upload tool correctly aligns the source fields with the target fields in SAP.
  Use Conversion Routines: If necessary, use conversion routines in LSMW to handle date formats and conversions more effectively.
  Test with Sample Data: Before performing a full upload, test with a small sample of data to identify any issues early.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like LSMW, SE11 (Data Dictionary), and SE37 (Function Modules) for debugging.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to date handling in your specific version of SAP.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation regarding data import and date formats for best practices and guidelines.
  
  By addressing the above points, you should be able to resolve the ALSMEX036 error and successfully convert the date fields in your data upload process.