How To Fix RP656 - Format data is incorrect

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RP - Error Messages for Infotype Module Pools

• Message number: 656

• Message text: Format data is incorrect

What causes this issue?

The data for positioning and length do not lie within the permitted
range.

System Response

The entry is rejected.

How to fix this error?

Correct the entry.
The following checks are performed:
The product of column number and column length may not be greater than
50.
The start position for the wage type text must lie within the column
length.
The sum of the start position and the length of the wage type amount
must lie within the column length.
The start position for the plus/minus sign must lie within the column
length.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RP656 - Format data is incorrect ?

  The SAP error message RP656, which states "Format data is incorrect," typically occurs in the context of payroll processing or when dealing with HR-related data formats. This error can arise due to various reasons, including incorrect data entries, formatting issues, or inconsistencies in the payroll configuration.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect Data Entry: The data entered in the payroll or HR infotypes may not conform to the expected format. This could include incorrect date formats, numeric values where text is expected, or vice versa.
  Configuration Issues: The payroll schema or the related configuration settings may not be set up correctly, leading to format mismatches.
  Missing or Incomplete Data: Required fields may be missing or not filled out correctly, leading to errors during processing.
  Custom Enhancements: If there are custom programs or enhancements in place, they may not handle data formats correctly, leading to this error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Data Entries: Review the data entries in the relevant infotypes or payroll records. Ensure that all fields are filled out correctly and conform to the expected formats.
  Review Configuration: Check the payroll configuration settings in the SAP system. Ensure that the payroll schema and related settings are correctly configured to handle the data formats being used.
  Validate Infotypes: Use transaction codes like PA20 or PA30 to validate the infotypes for the employee in question. Look for any inconsistencies or missing data.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can analyze the payroll run to identify where the error is occurring. This may help pinpoint the exact cause of the format issue.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific payroll process you are working with. There may be known issues or additional guidance available.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They may have additional insights or patches available.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA20 (Display HR Master Data), PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data), and PC00_MXX_CALC (Payroll Calculation).
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to error RP656 in the SAP Support Portal. There may be specific notes addressing this error with detailed solutions or workarounds.
  User Forums: Check SAP community forums or other user groups where similar issues may have been discussed. Other users may have encountered the same error and found solutions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the RP656 error in your SAP system.