How To Fix EA724 - The character string & is not the start tag of a segment field.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EA - IDoc Basis Messages

• Message number: 724

• Message text: The character string & is not the start tag of a segment field.

What causes this issue?

The character string '&v1&' is not a begin tag for a
<DS:GLOS.3526B5A5AFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>segment</> field.

System Response

The file cannot be processed.

How to fix this error?

Correct file &v2&.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EA724 - The character string & is not the start tag of a segment field. ?

  The SAP error message EA724, which states "The character string & is not the start tag of a segment field," typically occurs in the context of IDoc processing or when dealing with EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) messages. This error indicates that the system encountered an unexpected character or string when it was expecting a valid start tag for a segment field in the IDoc or EDI message structure.
  Cause:
  
  Malformed IDoc/EDI Message: The IDoc or EDI message being processed may be incorrectly formatted. This could be due to missing or extra characters, incorrect delimiters, or other structural issues.
  Data Corruption: The data being sent or received may have been corrupted during transmission, leading to invalid characters being present.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the IDoc types or message types in SAP, leading to mismatches between expected and actual data formats.
  Custom Code: If there is custom code involved in processing the IDoc or EDI message, it may not be handling the data correctly, leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the IDoc/EDI Message: Review the IDoc or EDI message for any formatting issues. Ensure that all segments are correctly defined and that there are no extraneous characters.
  Validate Data: If the data is being generated by an external system, validate that the data being sent conforms to the expected format and structure.
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings for the IDoc types and message types in SAP. Ensure that they are correctly set up and that there are no discrepancies.
  Debug Custom Code: If there is custom code involved, debug it to ensure that it is correctly processing the IDoc or EDI message. Look for any areas where the data might be manipulated incorrectly.
  Use Transaction WE02/WE05: Use transaction codes WE02 or WE05 to analyze the IDoc. These transactions allow you to view the details of the IDoc and identify where the error is occurring.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide guidance on similar issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  IDoc Structure: Familiarize yourself with the structure of IDocs and the expected format for segments and fields.
  EDI Standards: If working with EDI messages, understand the specific standards (e.g., EDIFACT, ANSI X12) being used and their requirements for message formatting.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for detailed information on IDoc processing and error handling.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the EA724 error and implement a solution to resolve it.