How To Fix PSM_S4C_FM_MD018 - Spaces and special characters are not allowed in the key field.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PSM_S4C_FM_MD -

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Spaces and special characters are not allowed in the key field.

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PSM_S4C_FM_MD018 - Spaces and special characters are not allowed in the key field. ?

  The SAP error message PSM_S4C_FM_MD018 indicates that there are spaces or special characters present in a key field where they are not allowed. This error typically occurs in the context of financial management or related modules where specific formats for key fields are enforced.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Characters: The key field may contain spaces, special characters (like @, #, $, %, etc.), or other invalid characters that are not permitted.
  Data Entry Error: Users may have inadvertently entered invalid data while creating or modifying records.
  Data Import Issues: If data is being imported from external sources, the source data may contain invalid characters.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input Data: Review the data being entered into the key field. Ensure that it only contains valid alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) without any spaces or special characters.
  Data Validation: Implement validation checks in the data entry process to prevent users from entering invalid characters.
  Data Cleansing: If the data is being imported, cleanse the data beforehand to remove any invalid characters. This can be done using data processing tools or scripts.
  Review Configuration: If the error persists, check the configuration settings for the relevant module to ensure that the key field definitions are correctly set up to accept only valid characters.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for guidelines on valid key field formats and restrictions.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check the field definitions and constraints.
  User Training: Provide training to users on the correct format for entering data in key fields to minimize errors.
  Error Logs: Check SAP error logs for additional context or related errors that may provide further insight into the issue.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the error and ensuring that only valid data is entered into key fields, you can resolve the PSM_S4C_FM_MD018 error effectively.