How To Fix FW020 - DME file contains date in invalid format: &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FW - Bills of Exchange and Other International Developments

• Message number: 020

• Message text: DME file contains date in invalid format: &

What causes this issue?

The DME file specified contains a date which either exists in an
incorrect format or which is not possible. Incorrect DME files cannot
be processed.

How to fix this error?

Check the DME file or let your bank check it.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FW020 - DME file contains date in invalid format: & ?

  The SAP error message FW020 indicates that there is an issue with the date format in a DME (Data Medium Exchange) file. This error typically arises when the date in the DME file does not conform to the expected format defined in the SAP system. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Date Format: The date in the DME file may be in a format that is not recognized by SAP. For example, if the expected format is YYYYMMDD and the date is provided as DD/MM/YYYY, this will trigger the error.
  Regional Settings: The date format may be influenced by the regional settings of the SAP system or the configuration of the DME file.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual data entry errors or incorrect data extraction processes can lead to invalid date formats being included in the DME file.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Date Format: Review the DME file and ensure that all dates are in the correct format as expected by SAP. The standard format is usually YYYYMMDD.
  Adjust Configuration: If the DME file is generated from a specific program or transaction, check the configuration settings for that program to ensure that the date format is set correctly.
  Modify Data Extraction: If the DME file is created from an external system or through a data extraction process, ensure that the date is formatted correctly before it is sent to SAP.
  Use SAP Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like FBZP (for payment program configuration) to check the settings related to DME formats and ensure they align with the expected formats.
  Test with Sample Data: Create a test DME file with known valid dates to see if the error persists. This can help isolate whether the issue is with specific data entries or a broader configuration problem.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal for documentation on DME file formats and configurations.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FBZP (Payment Program Configuration) and OBPM1 (DME Format Configuration).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to DME file processing and date format issues, as there may be patches or updates that address known problems.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels for additional insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the FW020 error related to invalid date formats in your DME file.