How To Fix M2496 - Field entered is not a date field

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M2 - LIS: Generating and updating info structures

• Message number: 496

• Message text: Field entered is not a date field

What causes this issue?

The field that you have chosen is not a date field. You must however
specify a date field which determines the period and in which the
key figure is to be updated.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M2496 - Field entered is not a date field ?

  The SAP error message M2496, which states "Field entered is not a date field," typically occurs when a user attempts to enter a value in a field that is expected to contain a date, but the value provided does not conform to the expected date format or is not a valid date.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect Format: The date entered may not be in the correct format expected by the system (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY vs. MM/DD/YYYY).
  Non-Date Value: The value entered may be a string or number that does not represent a date (e.g., "abc" or "12345").
  Field Configuration: The field may not be configured to accept date values in the specific transaction or module being used.
  Localization Settings: Different regions may have different date formats, and the system may be expecting a format that does not match the user's input.
  Data Type Mismatch: The field may be defined in the database or program as a different data type (e.g., character or numeric) rather than a date.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Date Format: Ensure that the date is entered in the correct format as specified by the system. Refer to the documentation or help text for the expected format.
  Use Valid Dates: Make sure that the date entered is a valid date (e.g., not February 30th).
  Field Configuration Review: If you have access, check the field configuration in the relevant transaction or module to ensure it is set up to accept date values.
  Localization Settings: Verify the user’s localization settings in SAP to ensure they match the expected date format.
  Data Type Verification: If you have access to the backend, check the data type of the field in the database or program to ensure it is set to accept date values.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help Portal or specific module documentation for details on date formats and field configurations.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the correct data entry formats and the importance of adhering to system requirements.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide additional guidance on this error message.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the M2496 error and successfully enter the required date information in SAP.