How To Fix ME451 - Date & contains a formal error (please check your input)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 451

• Message text: Date & contains a formal error (please check your input)

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME451 - Date & contains a formal error (please check your input) ?

  The SAP error message ME451 ("Date & contains a formal error (please check your input)") typically occurs in the context of purchasing documents, such as purchase orders or purchase requisitions. This error indicates that there is an issue with the date format or the date value entered in the relevant fields.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect Date Format: The date may not be in the expected format (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY vs. MM/DD/YYYY).
  Invalid Date Value: The date entered may not be valid (e.g., February 30th, or a date that is in the past when it should be in the future).
  Field Length Exceeded: The date field may have a character limit, and the input exceeds that limit.
  System Settings: The system may have specific settings or configurations that dictate acceptable date formats or ranges.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Date Format: Ensure that the date is entered in the correct format as per your system's configuration. You can usually find the expected format in the user settings or documentation.
  Validate Date Values: Make sure that the date you are entering is valid and logical (e.g., not a past date if the system requires a future date).
  Review Field Length: Ensure that the date input does not exceed the maximum character limit for the field.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's guidelines for the correct date formats and requirements.
  System Configuration: If the issue persists, consult with your SAP administrator to check if there are any specific configurations or settings that need to be adjusted.
  
  Related Information:
  
  User Settings: Check your user profile settings in SAP to see if there are any date format preferences that can be adjusted.
  SAP Notes: Look for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Training: If you are new to SAP, consider undergoing training or reviewing materials that cover data entry best practices, especially for purchasing documents.
  
  If the problem continues after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.