How To Fix /IWBEP/SBUI011 - Filter type '&1' cannot be used; select a data element (CHAR or NUMC)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /IWBEP/SBUI -

• Message number: 011

• Message text: Filter type '&1' cannot be used; select a data element (CHAR or NUMC)

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /IWBEP/SBUI011 - Filter type '&1' cannot be used; select a data element (CHAR or NUMC) ?

  The SAP error message /IWBEP/SBUI011 Filter type '&1' cannot be used; select a data element (CHAR or NUMC) typically occurs in the context of SAP Gateway or OData services when there is an issue with the filter type being used in a query. This error indicates that the filter type specified is not compatible with the expected data types for filtering.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Filter Type: The filter type specified in the OData query is not a valid data type. The system expects a character (CHAR) or numeric (NUMC) data type for filtering, but a different type (like a date or a complex type) has been provided.
  Model Definition Issues: The OData service model may not be correctly defined, leading to the use of an unsupported filter type.
  Incorrect Metadata: The metadata of the OData service may not be correctly exposing the data types, causing the filter to fail.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Filter Type: Ensure that the filter type you are using in your OData query is either CHAR or NUMC. If you are trying to filter on a different type, you will need to adjust your query accordingly.
  Example:
  
  Instead of using a date filter like ?$filter=DateField eq '2023-10-01', ensure that you are using a CHAR or NUMC field for filtering.
  
  
  
  Review OData Service Metadata: Check the metadata of the OData service to confirm the data types of the fields you are trying to filter. You can access the metadata by appending $metadata to the OData service URL.
  
  
  Adjust the Data Model: If you have control over the OData service definition, ensure that the fields you want to filter on are defined with the correct data types (CHAR or NUMC).
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, test the OData service again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Gateway: This error is often encountered in the context of SAP Gateway services, which expose business data as OData services.
  OData Protocol: Understanding the OData protocol and how it handles data types can help in troubleshooting similar issues.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or documentation that may provide additional insights or updates related to this error.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting the SAP Community for further assistance.