How To Fix EA279 - New segment definition '&' has no additional fields

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EA - IDoc Basis Messages

• Message number: 279

• Message text: New segment definition '&' has no additional fields

What causes this issue?

An attempt was made to add the new segment definition '&v1&'. However,
this has no additional fields which the previous one does not have.

System Response

The segment definition cannot be saved.

How to fix this error?

Please add at least one additional field or cancel the action.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EA279 - New segment definition '&' has no additional fields ?

  The SAP error message EA279, which states "New segment definition '&' has no additional fields," typically occurs when you are working with IDoc segments in SAP. This error indicates that the segment definition you are trying to create or modify does not have any additional fields defined, which is a requirement for the segment to be valid.
  Cause:
  
  Empty Segment Definition: The segment you are trying to define does not have any fields associated with it. In IDoc processing, each segment must contain at least one field to be considered valid.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be an issue with how the segment is configured in the IDoc type or the associated data structure.
  Technical Issues: Sometimes, this error can arise due to inconsistencies in the data dictionary or issues with the transport of changes.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Add Fields to the Segment:
  
  Go to the segment definition in transaction WE31 (for segment types) or WE30 (for IDoc types).
  Ensure that you have defined at least one field for the segment. If not, add the necessary fields to the segment definition.
  
  
  
  Check Segment Configuration:
  
  Verify that the segment is correctly configured in the IDoc type. Ensure that it is included in the IDoc structure and that the fields are properly defined.
  
  
  
  Transport Issues:
  
  If this error occurs after a transport, check if the transport was successful and that all necessary objects were included. You may need to re-transport the objects or check for missing dependencies.
  
  
  
  Consistency Check:
  
  Perform a consistency check on the IDoc type and segment definitions. You can use transaction WE60 to display the IDoc documentation and ensure everything is in order.
  
  
  
  Recreate the Segment:
  
  If the segment definition seems corrupted or incorrect, consider deleting and recreating the segment with the correct fields.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  IDoc Basics: Understanding the structure of IDocs, including segments and fields, is crucial. Each IDoc consists of a control record, data records (segments), and status records.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  WE30: Create/Change IDoc Type
  WE31: Create/Change Segment Type
  WE60: IDoc Documentation
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to IDoc processing and segment definitions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the EA279 error and ensure that your segment definitions are correctly set up in SAP.