How To Fix CL047 - Word processing error: "&"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CL - Classification

• Message number: 047

• Message text: Word processing error: "&"

What causes this issue?

Internal error calling SAP word processing.

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?

INCLUDE NA_SYSADMIN1 OBJECT DOKU ID TX

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CL047 - Word processing error: "&" ?

  The SAP error message CL047, which indicates a "Word processing error: '&'", typically occurs when there is an issue with the formatting or content of a document being processed in SAP, particularly when using the SAPscript or Smart Forms for generating documents like invoices, purchase orders, or other forms.
  Cause:
  
  Special Characters: The presence of special characters (like '&') in the text or data being processed can lead to this error. SAPscript and Smart Forms may not handle certain characters properly, leading to a failure in document generation.
  Formatting Issues: Incorrect formatting or syntax in the SAPscript or Smart Form can also trigger this error. This includes issues in the layout or the way text elements are defined.
  Data Issues: If the data being pulled into the document contains unexpected or malformed entries, it can cause processing errors.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check for Special Characters: Review the text and data being used in the document. Look for any special characters, particularly '&', and either remove or replace them with appropriate alternatives.
  Review SAPscript/Smart Form: Inspect the SAPscript or Smart Form for any syntax errors or formatting issues. Ensure that all text elements are correctly defined and that there are no unescaped special characters.
  Use Escape Sequences: If you need to include special characters, use escape sequences where applicable. For example, in SAPscript, you can use & to represent the ampersand character.
  Test with Sample Data: Create a test case with simplified data to see if the error persists. This can help isolate whether the issue is with the data or the document format.
  Check for Updates: Ensure that your SAP system is up to date with the latest patches and updates, as some issues may have been resolved in newer versions.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message. SAP frequently publishes notes that provide solutions or workarounds for specific error messages.
  Documentation: Review the documentation for SAPscript and Smart Forms to understand how to properly handle special characters and formatting.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels where other users may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant who can provide more in-depth assistance.