How To Fix CRM_MKT_EXTERNAL016 - Error accessing RFC Gateway function "com_invoke" (COM method &1)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CRM_MKT_EXTERNAL - CRM MKT: Messages for Interface to External Products

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Error accessing RFC Gateway function "com_invoke" (COM method &1)

What causes this issue?

The connection from CRM to the COM server via the RFC Gateway was set
up successfully (no errors).
The application then tried to execute the COM server's indicated COM
method using the "com_invoke" function of the RFC Gateway.
At this point, an error occurred during commumincation between CRM and
the RFC Gateway.
The subsequent message (English text) in the application log is the
error message originating from the RFC Gateway itself.

How to fix this error?

This error can have several causes:
In order to connect between the RFC Gateway and the COM server,
information about this COM server must be maintained in the Customizing
table CRMC_EXT_SERVER for the connection you require. The RFC Gateway
requires the following information in order to find the correct COM
server:
Name of the COM TypeLibrary
Name of the COM class
Name of the interface that the COM methods offer
One or more of these names may be incorrect. Use the function
<DS:TRAN.SM30>Maintain table views</> to check these values by
examining the contents of the CRMC_EXT_SERVER table. Refer to the
documentation for the external product that this COM server offers to
find out more information about it.
The RFC Gateway may not have started up on the Windows machine or the
CRM server cannot access the Windows machine via the network. Contact
the system administrator for the Windows machine.
The RFC Gateway needs a translation table that translates the RFC
interfaces and data structures into COM interfaces and data structures,
and vice versa. This table is saved as an XML file and provided to the
RFC Gateway when it is started. Ask the administrator of the Windows
machine to check the start parameters for the RFC Gateway. For more
information, consult the documentation for the RFC Gateway.
Also, review the <DS:TRAN.SM21>system log</> in CRM.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CRM_MKT_EXTERNAL016 - Error accessing RFC Gateway function "com_invoke" (COM method &1) ?

  The SAP error message CRM_MKT_EXTERNAL016 indicates an issue with accessing the RFC (Remote Function Call) Gateway function, specifically related to the COM (Component Object Model) method. This error typically arises in scenarios where SAP is trying to communicate with external systems or components via COM objects.
  Cause:
  
  RFC Gateway Issues: The RFC Gateway may not be properly configured or may be down, preventing access to the required COM method.
  COM Object Registration: The COM object that the SAP system is trying to invoke may not be registered correctly on the server where the SAP system is running.
  Permissions: There may be insufficient permissions for the user or service account that is trying to access the COM object.
  Network Issues: There could be network connectivity issues between the SAP system and the external system or COM server.
  Incorrect Parameters: The parameters being passed to the COM method may be incorrect or not in the expected format.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check RFC Gateway Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the RFC Gateway is properly configured and running. You can check the status of the RFC Gateway using transaction SMGW in SAP.
  Look for any error messages or logs that might indicate issues with the gateway.
  
  
  
  Verify COM Object Registration:
  
  Ensure that the COM object is registered correctly on the server. You can use tools like regsvr32 to register the COM DLL if necessary.
  Check if the COM object is accessible from the server where SAP is running.
  
  
  
  Review Permissions:
  
  Ensure that the user or service account has the necessary permissions to access the COM object. This may involve checking DCOM configuration settings.
  Use the dcomcnfg tool to review and modify DCOM permissions.
  
  
  
  Check Network Connectivity:
  
  Verify that there are no network issues preventing communication between the SAP system and the external COM server.
  Use tools like ping or telnet to test connectivity.
  
  
  
  Validate Parameters:
  
  Review the parameters being passed to the COM method to ensure they are correct and in the expected format.
  Check the documentation for the COM object to understand the required parameters.
  
  
  
  Review SAP Logs:
  
  Check the SAP application logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or details that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Documentation: Review the documentation for the specific COM object being accessed to ensure that it is being used correctly.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT team for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the CRM_MKT_EXTERNAL016 error in your SAP system.