How To Fix CATS_ESA016 - Invalid combination of sign and select option

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CATS_ESA - Messages for ESA CATS Services

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Invalid combination of sign and select option

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CATS_ESA016 - Invalid combination of sign and select option ?

  The SAP error message CATS_ESA016: Invalid combination of sign and select option typically occurs in the context of the Cross-Application Time Sheet (CATS) when there is an issue with the selection criteria used in a report or query. This error indicates that there is a mismatch between the sign (e.g., "greater than," "less than") and the selection options provided in the query.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following reasons:
  
  Incorrect Sign and Option Combination: The combination of the sign (e.g., =, <>, >, <, >=, <=) and the selection option (e.g., BETWEEN, IN, LIKE) is not valid. For example, using a "greater than" sign with a selection option that expects a single value.
  Missing or Incorrect Values: If the selection criteria are not properly defined or if required values are missing, it can lead to this error.
  Data Type Mismatch: The data type of the field being queried does not match the expected type for the sign and selection option used.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Review Selection Criteria: Check the selection criteria you are using in your report or query. Ensure that the combination of signs and options is valid. For example:
  
  If you are using BETWEEN, ensure that you provide two values.
  If you are using IN, ensure that you provide a list of values.
  
  
  
  Check for Missing Values: Ensure that all required fields have values and that they are correctly formatted.
  
  
  Data Type Verification: Verify that the data types of the fields you are querying match the expected types for the operations you are performing. For instance, if you are comparing dates, ensure that the values are in date format.
  
  
  Test with Simplified Criteria: If the issue persists, try simplifying the selection criteria to isolate the problem. Start with basic conditions and gradually add complexity.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on valid combinations of signs and selection options for the fields you are working with.
  
  
  Check for SAP Notes: Sometimes, specific issues may be documented in SAP Notes. Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant notes that might address this error.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: This error may occur in various transaction codes related to CATS, such as CATS or CAT2.
  SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting the SAP Community for assistance.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can trace the execution to see where the error is being triggered.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and correct the cause of the CATS_ESA016 error in your SAP system.