How To Fix ECH_MSG004 - You must define I_DATA or I_MAIN_ERROR_OBJECT

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ECH_MSG - Messages for Error & Conflict Handler

• Message number: 004

• Message text: You must define I_DATA or I_MAIN_ERROR_OBJECT

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ECH_MSG004 - You must define I_DATA or I_MAIN_ERROR_OBJECT ?

  The SAP error message ECH_MSG004 with the description "You must define I_DATA or I_MAIN_ERROR_OBJECT" typically occurs in the context of error handling or exception management in SAP applications, particularly when using the Error Handling Framework (EHF) or similar functionalities.
  Cause:
  This error indicates that the system expects either the I_DATA or I_MAIN_ERROR_OBJECT parameter to be defined or populated, but neither has been provided. This usually happens when:
  
  Missing Parameters: The function module or method that is being called requires these parameters to be passed, but they are not being supplied.
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration for error handling may not be set up correctly, leading to the absence of necessary data.
  Programming Error: There may be a bug or oversight in the ABAP code where the parameters are not being initialized or passed correctly.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Code: Review the ABAP code where the error occurs. Ensure that either I_DATA or I_MAIN_ERROR_OBJECT is being populated and passed to the relevant function module or method.
  
  
  Parameter Initialization: If you are using a custom implementation, make sure that you are initializing these parameters correctly before calling the function.
  
  
  Review Documentation: Check the SAP documentation for the specific function module or method you are using to understand the requirements for I_DATA and I_MAIN_ERROR_OBJECT.
  
  
  Debugging: Use the SAP debugger to step through the code and see where the parameters are supposed to be set. This can help identify if there is a logical error in the flow of the program.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Look for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that might address this specific error message or provide additional context.
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, thoroughly test the application to ensure that the error is resolved and that the application behaves as expected.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Error Handling Framework (EHF): Familiarize yourself with the Error Handling Framework in SAP, as it provides guidelines and structures for managing errors effectively.
  Function Module Documentation: If you are using a specific function module, refer to its documentation for details on required parameters and their expected formats.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community or forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.