How To Fix IDFB303 - The first character of the OCR payment reference is not valid

IDFB303 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IDFB - Payment Reference Numbers

• Message number: 303

• Message text: The first character of the OCR payment reference is not valid

What causes this issue?

The OCR payment reference needs to start either with the '+' or with the
'>' character.

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?

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 IDFB303 - The first character of the OCR payment reference is not valid ?

  The SAP error message IDFB303, which states "The first character of the OCR payment reference is not valid," typically occurs in the context of processing OCR (Optical Character Recognition) payment references in SAP. This error indicates that the payment reference provided does not conform to the expected format, particularly regarding the first character.
  
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Character: The first character of the OCR payment reference does not match the expected set of characters defined by the OCR format. For example, it may be a letter or symbol that is not allowed.
  Incorrect Configuration: The system may be configured to expect a specific format for payment references, and the input does not meet these criteria.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been a typographical error when entering the payment reference.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Payment Reference: Review the payment reference being used and ensure that the first character is valid according to the OCR format specifications. Typically, the first