How To Fix CNTACT004 - Field &1 of record &2 must not be initial

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CNTACT - eCATT replacement -> ABAP class

• Message number: 004

• Message text: Field &1 of record &2 must not be initial

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.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CNTACT004 - Field &1 of record &2 must not be initial ?

  The SAP error message CNTACT004 indicates that a required field in a specific record is empty or not filled in when it should be. The message format typically looks like this: "Field &1 of record &2 must not be initial," where &1 represents the field name and &2 represents the record identifier.
  Cause:
  This error usually occurs in the context of transaction processing where certain fields are mandatory for the operation to proceed. The specific field that is causing the error is not populated, which violates the data integrity rules set by the system. Common scenarios include:
  
  Missing mandatory data in a master record (e.g., vendor, customer, or material).
  Incomplete entries in a transaction (e.g., purchase order, sales order).
  Incorrect configuration in the system that defines mandatory fields.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the CNTACT004 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify the Field and Record: Check the error message to identify which field (&1) and which record (&2) are causing the issue. This will guide you to the specific data that needs to be corrected.
  
  
  Access the Relevant Transaction: Navigate to the transaction or application where the error occurred. This could be in the context of creating or updating a record.
  
  
  Fill in the Required Field: Locate the field mentioned in the error message and ensure it is filled with the appropriate data. If it is a master data record, ensure that all mandatory fields are populated.
  
  
  Check Configuration: If you believe the field should not be mandatory, check the configuration settings in the relevant module (e.g., MM, SD, FI) to see if the field's status can be changed.
  
  
  Validate Data: Ensure that the data being entered meets the required format and constraints defined in the system.
  
  
  Test the Changes: After making the necessary changes, attempt to save or process the transaction again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may be using various transaction codes (e.g., ME21N for purchase orders, VA01 for sales orders).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the error message.
  Documentation: Review the relevant SAP documentation for the module you are working with to understand the mandatory fields and their significance.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to edit the records in question.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP community forums for further assistance.