How To Fix OM184 - Invalid start position: &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: OM - Customizing Materialwirtschaft

• Message number: 184

• Message text: Invalid start position: &

What causes this issue?

With the aid of account operations, you can insert or delete characters
into or from all selected account keys at specific points.
o With I/<start_position>/<insert_string>, it is possible to insert
characters into the selected account keys at a certain point. For
example, with 'I/03/W1', the string 'W1' is inserted into all
selected account keys at position three.
o With D/<start_position>/<length_del_string>, it is possible to
eliminate characters from the selected account keys at certain
points. For example, 'D/03/02' will cause two characters to be
deleted from all selected account keys, beginning at position three.
In the process, <start_position> is specified as two characters, e.g.
'03' for position 3. The current length of the G/L account field may
not be exceeded, either explicitly or implicitly, by inclusion of
<insert_string> or <length_del_string>. Thus for example,
<start_position> of 'I/09/ABC' is not allowed for a 10-character G/L
account field, whereas 01 - 08 is permissible.

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?

Please enter a valid start position.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message OM184 - Invalid start position: & ?

  The SAP error message OM184 "Invalid start position: &" typically occurs in the context of configuration or master data management, particularly when dealing with the configuration of materials, production orders, or similar objects in SAP. This error indicates that there is an issue with the starting position specified for a certain operation or process, which is not valid or recognized by the system.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The starting position specified in the configuration might not exist or is incorrectly defined.
  Data Entry Error: There may be a typographical error in the input data where the starting position is defined.
  Missing Master Data: The required master data (like routing, BOM, etc.) might be missing or not properly set up.
  System Limitations: The specified start position may exceed the allowable range defined in the system settings.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings related to the process or object you are working with. Ensure that the starting position is correctly defined and exists in the system.
  Validate Input Data: Double-check the data you are entering for any typographical errors or incorrect values.
  Review Master Data: Ensure that all necessary master data is available and correctly configured. This includes checking routing, BOM, and any other relevant data.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on valid start positions for the operation you are trying to perform.
  System Settings: If applicable, check the system settings to ensure that there are no limitations or restrictions that could be causing the error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may need to use specific transaction codes to access configuration settings or master data (e.g., CS01 for BOM, CA01 for routing).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to 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 identify the cause of the OM184 error and implement a solution to resolve it.