How To Fix L3518 - Error while reading VBFA; Key = & & & &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: L3 -

• Message number: 518

• Message text: Error while reading VBFA; Key = & & & &

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?

INCLUDE 'SY_VE_HOLEN' OBJECT DOKU ID TX LANGUAGE E

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message L3518 - Error while reading VBFA; Key = & & & & ?

  The SAP error message L3518, which states "Error while reading VBFA; Key = & & & &", typically indicates that there is an issue with the document flow in the SAP system. The VBFA table is used to store the document flow information for sales and distribution documents, such as sales orders, deliveries, and billing documents. The error suggests that the system is unable to retrieve the document flow information for a specific key, which is represented by the placeholders (& & & &).
  Causes:
  
  Missing Data: The key specified in the error message may not exist in the VBFA table, indicating that the document flow data is missing or has been deleted.
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies in the database, such as orphaned records or incomplete document processing.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the data in the VBFA table.
  Database Issues: There could be underlying database issues, such as corruption or locking problems, that prevent the system from reading the data.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Document Existence: Verify that the documents related to the key in question exist in the relevant tables (e.g., VBAK for sales orders, LIKP for deliveries).
  Reprocess Documents: If the documents are missing or incomplete, you may need to reprocess them. This could involve creating new documents or correcting existing ones.
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the VBFA table and related documents.
  Database Consistency Check: Perform a consistency check on the database to identify and resolve any inconsistencies. This may involve using transaction codes like SE14 (Database Utility) or running specific SAP reports.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide guidance on troubleshooting.
  Debugging: If you have access to development tools, you can debug the program or transaction that is generating the error to identify the root cause.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may want to use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to view the structure of the VBFA table or SE16 (Data Browser) to view its contents.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, especially if it appears to be a bug or a more complex issue.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to document flow and the specific modules you are working with (e.g., SD - Sales and Distribution).
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the L3518 error in your SAP system.