How To Fix RD178 - Incorrect timestamp field for generic delta in DataSource &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RD - CO-PA Connection to SAP BW

• Message number: 178

• Message text: Incorrect timestamp field for generic delta in DataSource &1

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RD178 - Incorrect timestamp field for generic delta in DataSource &1 ?

  The SAP error message RD178, which states "Incorrect timestamp field for generic delta in DataSource &1," typically occurs in the context of data extraction from SAP systems, particularly when using generic delta extraction methods. This error indicates that there is an issue with the timestamp field that is being used for delta extraction in the specified DataSource.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Timestamp Field Configuration: The timestamp field defined in the DataSource may not be correctly configured or may not exist in the underlying database table.
  Data Type Mismatch: The data type of the timestamp field in the DataSource may not match the data type in the source table.
  Missing or Incorrect Delta Logic: The delta logic may not be properly set up, leading to issues in identifying changes in the data.
  DataSource Not Activated: The DataSource may not be activated or may have been modified without proper reactivation.
  Inconsistent Data: There may be inconsistencies in the data that prevent the delta extraction from functioning correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check DataSource Configuration:
  
  Go to the DataSource in the SAP system and verify that the timestamp field is correctly defined.
  Ensure that the field is present in the underlying table and is of the correct data type.
  
  
  
  Review Delta Logic:
  
  Check the delta logic settings for the DataSource. Ensure that the delta mechanism is correctly configured to track changes based on the timestamp field.
  
  
  
  Re-activate the DataSource:
  
  If any changes were made to the DataSource, make sure to re-activate it in the Data Warehousing Workbench (transaction RSA1).
  
  
  
  Check for Data Consistency:
  
  Run consistency checks on the data in the source table to ensure that there are no anomalies that could affect the delta extraction.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Look for relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common issues.
  
  
  
  Test Extraction:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, perform a test extraction to verify that the issue has been resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like RSA1 (Data Warehousing Workbench) and RSO2 (Maintain DataSource) to manage and troubleshoot DataSources.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on configuring DataSources and delta extraction methods.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the RD178 error in your SAP system.