How To Fix BM052 - Internal keys cannot contain '&'.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BM - Development class BZME - units of measure

• Message number: 052

• Message text: Internal keys cannot contain '&'.

What causes this issue?

You tried to create an internal key containing the forbidden character
&. Only the following characters are allowed:
A....Z, 0...9, %.
Other characters can cause codepage conversion problems.

System Response

You cannot create this key.

How to fix this error?

Use only valid characters in your key.

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 BM052 - Internal keys cannot contain '&'. ?

  The SAP error message BM052: Internal keys cannot contain '&' typically occurs when you are trying to use an internal key (such as a material number, customer number, or any other identifier) that includes the ampersand character (&). In SAP, certain characters are reserved for specific functions, and the ampersand is one of them. This restriction is in place to ensure that the system can correctly interpret and process the keys without confusion.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Character: The internal key you are trying to use contains the & character, which is not allowed.
  Data Entry Error: The key may have been entered incorrectly, possibly due to a copy-paste error or manual input mistake.
  Data Migration Issues: If data was migrated from another system, it may have included invalid characters.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Key: Review the internal key you are trying to use and ensure it does not contain the & character. If it does, remove it or replace it with a valid character.
  Data Validation: Implement validation checks in your data entry processes to prevent the inclusion of invalid characters in internal keys.
  Data Cleanup: If the error arises from existing data, you may need to clean up the data in the database to remove or replace any invalid characters.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or guidelines for the specific module you are working with to understand the valid character set for internal keys.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any updates or patches related to this error message. Sometimes, SAP releases notes that provide additional context or solutions for specific issues.
  Transaction Codes: If you are working with specific transaction codes (like MM01 for material creation), ensure you are following the correct procedures and guidelines for those transactions.
  User Exits and Enhancements: If you are using custom developments, check if there are any user exits or enhancements that might be affecting how keys are processed.
  
  By addressing the cause of the error and ensuring that internal keys conform to SAP's requirements, you should be able to resolve the issue effectively.