How To Fix PO356 - OTF requests are not formatted.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 356

• Message text: OTF requests are not formatted.

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO356 - OTF requests are not formatted. ?

  The SAP error message PO356, which states "OTF requests are not formatted," typically occurs when there is an issue with the output formatting of a document in SAP, particularly when dealing with output types that use OTF (Output Text Format) for printing or displaying documents.
  Cause:
  
  Missing or Incorrect Form: The form used for the output may not be correctly defined or may be missing altogether. This can happen if the form has been deleted or if there are issues with the form's configuration.
  Incorrect Output Type Configuration: The output type may not be properly configured to use the correct form or may have incorrect settings.
  Issues with the Print Program: The print program associated with the output type may not be generating the OTF data correctly.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the form or output type.
  Technical Issues: There may be underlying technical issues with the SAP system or the printer configuration.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Output Type Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction code NACE to check the output type configuration.
  Ensure that the correct form is assigned to the output type and that all settings are correct.
  
  
  
  Verify Form:
  
  Use transaction code SMARTFORMS or SE71 (for SAPscript) to check if the form exists and is correctly defined.
  If the form is missing, you may need to recreate it or restore it from a transport request.
  
  
  
  Check Print Program:
  
  Ensure that the print program associated with the output type is functioning correctly and is generating the OTF data as expected.
  You can check the print program in the output type configuration in NACE.
  
  
  
  Test Output:
  
  Use transaction code SP01 to check the spool requests and see if there are any errors related to the output request.
  You can also test the output directly from the transaction that generates it to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the output type and form.
  
  
  
  Check Printer Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the printer settings in transaction SPAD are correctly configured and that the printer is available.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  NACE: Output Types Configuration
  SMARTFORMS: Smart Forms
  SE71: SAPscript Form Maintenance
  SP01: Spool Request Overview
  SPAD: Spool Administration
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for detailed information on output management and troubleshooting output issues.
  
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis or technical team for further investigation.