How To Fix /PF1/MSG_CONV657 - Failure to determine SAP Internal/External Flag for Bic &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PF1/MSG_CONV -

• Message number: 657

• Message text: Failure to determine SAP Internal/External Flag for Bic &1

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /PF1/MSG_CONV657 - Failure to determine SAP Internal/External Flag for Bic &1 ?

  The SAP error message /PF1/MSG_CONV657 indicates a failure to determine the internal/external flag for a Business Partner (BIC) in the SAP system. This error typically arises in the context of data conversion or integration processes, particularly when dealing with Business Partner data.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Configuration: The internal/external flag for the Business Partner may not be properly configured in the system.
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies or missing data in the Business Partner master data that prevent the system from determining the correct flag.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the Business Partner data.
  System Bugs: There could be bugs or issues in the specific version of SAP you are using that affect the determination of the internal/external flag.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Configuration: Ensure that the Business Partner configuration is correctly set up in the system. This includes checking the settings in transaction codes like BP (Business Partner) and ensuring that the relevant roles and data are assigned.
  Validate Data: Review the Business Partner master data for completeness and correctness. Look for any missing fields or inconsistencies that could lead to this error.
  Authorization Check: Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and modify Business Partner data. You can check this using transaction SU53 after the error occurs.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can analyze the program or function module that is generating the error to identify the root cause.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes or patches that address this specific error message. There may be known issues with specific versions of SAP that have been resolved in later updates.
  Consult Documentation: Review the SAP documentation related to Business Partner management for any additional configuration or setup steps that may have been overlooked.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as BP for Business Partner maintenance, SU53 for authorization checks, and SE80 for debugging.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, providing them with detailed information about the error and the context in which it occurs.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the /PF1/MSG_CONV657 error message in SAP.