How To Fix /IWBEP/CM_SB_COMPOS008 - At least one Model Reference is mandatory to create external association

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /IWBEP/CM_SB_COMPOS -

• Message number: 008

• Message text: At least one Model Reference is mandatory to create external association

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /IWBEP/CM_SB_COMPOS008 - At least one Model Reference is mandatory to create external association ?

  The SAP error message /IWBEP/CM_SB_COMPOS008 indicates that when trying to create an external association in a service definition, at least one model reference is required. This error typically occurs in the context of SAP Gateway and OData services when defining associations between entities.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the absence of a model reference in the external association definition. In SAP Gateway, an external association is used to link entities from different data models, and it requires at least one model reference to establish the relationship.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that you have defined at least one model reference in your external association. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Open the Service Definition: Go to the service definition in the SAP Gateway Service Builder (transaction code SEGW).
  
  
  Navigate to the Entity Type: Find the entity type for which you are trying to create the external association.
  
  
  Create External Association:
  
  Right-click on the entity type and select "Create External Association."
  In the dialog that appears, you will need to specify the target entity type and the association details.
  
  
  
  Add Model Reference:
  
  Ensure that you select or create a model reference that points to the appropriate entity type in the external model.
  You may need to define the model reference if it does not already exist.
  
  
  
  Save and Activate: After making the necessary changes, save your work and activate the service definition.
  
  
  Test the Service: Once activated, test the service to ensure that the external association is working as expected.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Model References: Model references are used to link entities from different data models. They are essential for creating associations that span multiple data sources.
  SAP Gateway: SAP Gateway is a technology that enables the connection of devices, environments, and applications to SAP systems. It allows for the creation of OData services that can be consumed by various clients.
  OData Services: OData (Open Data Protocol) is a standard protocol for building and consuming RESTful APIs. In SAP, OData services are used to expose business data and operations.
  
  If you continue to face issues after following these steps, consider checking the following:
  
  Ensure that the entity types involved in the association are correctly defined and activated.
  Review the service metadata to confirm that the model references are correctly set up.
  Consult the SAP documentation or community forums for additional troubleshooting tips related to your specific scenario.