How To Fix DA162 - Row &1: Unbalanced variable delimiter '&2' for &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DA - Dictionary: Compare, distribution, timer, instantiation

• Message number: 162

• Message text: Row &1: Unbalanced variable delimiter '&2' for &3

What causes this issue?

A variable delimitor '&' is missing.

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?

Enclose the variable in '&': '&varname&' or write '#&' if you want a '
&' in the output.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DA162 - Row &1: Unbalanced variable delimiter '&2' for &3 ?

  The SAP error message DA162 indicates that there is an issue with the variable delimiters in a data processing context, typically related to the use of variables in a data extraction or reporting scenario. The message format is as follows:
  
  Row &1: This indicates the specific row in the data where the error occurred.
  Unbalanced variable delimiter '&2' for &3: This part of the message indicates that there is an unbalanced or mismatched variable delimiter (like a quotation mark or a parenthesis) for the specified variable or field.
  
  Cause
  The error is usually caused by one of the following issues:
  
  Mismatched Delimiters: There are opening and closing delimiters (like quotes or parentheses) that do not match. For example, if you have an opening quote but no corresponding closing quote.
  Incorrect Syntax: The syntax used in the variable definition or in the data extraction logic is incorrect, leading to confusion in parsing the variables.
  Data Quality Issues: The data being processed may contain unexpected characters or formatting that disrupts the expected structure.
  
  Solution
  To resolve the DA162 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  Check the Row: Look at the specific row indicated by &1 in the error message. Review the data in that row for any unbalanced delimiters.
  Review Variable Definitions: Ensure that all variable definitions in your data extraction or reporting logic are correctly formatted. Check for matching opening and closing delimiters.
  Validate Data: If the data is being pulled from an external source, validate the data for any anomalies or formatting issues that could lead to this error.
  Test with Sample Data: If possible, test the logic with a smaller set of data to isolate the issue and identify if it is a specific data point causing the problem.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on the specific context in which the error is occurring, as the solution may vary based on the module or function being used.
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels where similar issues may have been discussed.
  Debugging Tools: Utilize SAP debugging tools to step through the data processing logic and identify where the error is being triggered.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and correct the cause of the DA162 error in your SAP environment.