How To Fix FAR_INVALID_FILES004 - Invalid Date &1 in transaction detail (BAI file record code 16)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FAR_INVALID_FILES - Error messages for invalid payment files

• Message number: 004

• Message text: Invalid Date &1 in transaction detail (BAI file record code 16)

What causes this issue?

In the BAI file, record code
number 16, the format of the date &1 in the group transaction detail is
invalid.

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?

Contact your bank and ask them to resend you the file containing a valid
date format. The format has to be as follows: YYMMDD.

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 FAR_INVALID_FILES004 - Invalid Date &1 in transaction detail (BAI file record code 16) ?

  The SAP error message FAR_INVALID_FILES004 indicates that there is an invalid date format in a BAI (Bank Administration Institute) file, specifically in the transaction detail record with code 16. This error typically arises when the date provided in the BAI file does not conform to the expected format or is outside of acceptable ranges.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Format: The date in the BAI file may not be in the expected format (e.g., YYYYMMDD).
  Invalid Date Values: The date may represent an invalid calendar date (e.g., February 30).
  Data Type Mismatch: The system may be expecting a different data type or format for the date field.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in SAP that are not aligned with the BAI file specifications.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the BAI File: Open the BAI file and locate the transaction detail record with code 16. Verify that the date is in the correct format (YYYYMMDD) and that it represents a valid date.
  Correct the Date: If the date is incorrect, modify it to ensure it is valid and in the correct format.
  Review SAP Configuration: Ensure that the SAP system is configured correctly to handle the BAI file format. This may involve checking the settings in the Financial Accounting (FI) module or the Bank Communication Management (BCM) module.
  Test with Sample Data: If possible, create a test BAI file with known valid data to see if the error persists. This can help isolate whether the issue is with the specific file or a broader configuration issue.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or the BAI file specifications to ensure compliance with the expected formats and values.
  
  Related Information:
  
  BAI File Format: The BAI file format is used for electronic bank statements and includes various record types, including transaction detail records. Each record type has specific fields and formats that must be adhered to.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or Knowledge Base Articles that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP that may help in analyzing or processing BAI files, such as FF.5 for electronic bank statement processing.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to engage with SAP support or consult with a technical expert familiar with BAI file processing in SAP.