How To Fix ESH_SEARCH221 - Invalid format for datatype time

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ESH_SEARCH - ESH Search

• Message number: 221

• Message text: Invalid format for datatype time

What causes this issue?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

Invalid format for the data type time.

How to fix this error?

Enter times only in the format hh:mm:ss.

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 ESH_SEARCH221 - Invalid format for datatype time ?

  The SAP error message ESH_SEARCH221: Invalid format for datatype time typically occurs in the context of SAP Enterprise Search or when dealing with time-related data in SAP applications. This error indicates that the system has encountered a time value that does not conform to the expected format.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Time Format: The time value being processed does not match the expected format. For example, if the system expects a time in the format HH:MM:SS (24-hour format) and receives a different format (like HH:MM or a string that cannot be parsed as a time), this error will occur.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual data entry errors where users input time values incorrectly.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, the time format may not have been converted correctly.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system that define how time data should be formatted or interpreted.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input Format: Ensure that the time values being inputted or processed conform to the expected format. For example, use the HH:MM:SS format.
  Data Validation: Implement validation checks in the application to ensure that time values are correctly formatted before they are processed.
  Review Data Migration: If the error is occurring after a data migration, review the migration scripts or processes to ensure that time values were converted correctly.
  Configuration Review: Check the configuration settings in the SAP system related to time formats. This may involve looking at user settings or system-wide settings that dictate how time is handled.
  Debugging: If you have access to the development environment, you can debug the code to identify where the invalid time format is being generated or processed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common errors.
  Documentation: Review the SAP documentation for the specific module you are working with to understand the expected formats for time data.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels where other users may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance, providing them with detailed information about the error context and any steps you have already taken to resolve it.