How To Fix /BOFU/CDO_HANDLING020 - Invalid time format; use yyyymmdd without any additional characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /BOFU/CDO_HANDLING -

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Invalid time format; use yyyymmdd without any additional characters

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /BOFU/CDO_HANDLING020 - Invalid time format; use yyyymmdd without any additional characters ?

  The SAP error message /BOFU/CDO_HANDLING020 Invalid time format; use yyyymmdd without any additional characters typically occurs when a date input does not conform to the expected format. This error is often encountered in SAP systems when dealing with date fields in certain transactions or data uploads.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when the date format provided does not match the required format of yyyymmdd. This means:
  
  The date must be in a numeric format.
  It should not contain any additional characters such as slashes (/), dashes (-), or spaces.
  The year must be represented by four digits, the month by two digits, and the day by two digits.
  
  For example, valid inputs would be:
  
  20230101 for January 1, 2023
  20231231 for December 31, 2023
  
  Invalid inputs would include:
  
  01/01/2023
  2023-01-01
  2023 01 01
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, ensure that any date inputs are formatted correctly. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Check Input Format: Review the date input in the relevant field and ensure it follows the yyyymmdd format strictly.
  
  
  Remove Additional Characters: If there are any slashes, dashes, or spaces, remove them to conform to the required format.
  
  
  Use Correct Data Types: If you are using a program or script to input data, ensure that the date is being passed as a string in the correct format.
  
  
  Validation: Implement validation checks in your data entry process to catch formatting errors before submission.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help files for the specific transaction or module you are working with to understand any additional requirements or constraints regarding date formats.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to date handling in your specific version of SAP.
  User Training: Ensure that users entering data are trained on the correct formats to prevent future occurrences of this error.
  Custom Development: If you are working with custom programs or reports, review the code to ensure that date formats are being handled correctly.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and ensure that date inputs are correctly formatted in your SAP system.