How To Fix RS015 - An error occurred while connecting to the external system

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RS - BRST Reporting Support Tools: Communication Handler

• Message number: 015

• Message text: An error occurred while connecting to the external system

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 RS015 - An error occurred while connecting to the external system ?

  The SAP error message RS015, which states "An error occurred while connecting to the external system," typically indicates a problem with the connection between SAP and an external system, such as a database, application, or service. This error can arise from various causes, and the solutions may vary depending on the specific context. Here are some common causes, potential solutions, and related information:
  Common Causes
  
  
  Network Issues: There may be network connectivity problems between the SAP system and the external system. This could be due to firewall settings, network outages, or incorrect network configurations.
  
  
  Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system or the external system can lead to connection failures. This includes incorrect connection parameters, such as hostnames, ports, or credentials.
  
  
  Authentication Issues: If the external system requires authentication, incorrect credentials (username/password) or expired tokens can cause connection errors.
  
  
  Service Availability: The external system may be down or not responding. This could be due to maintenance, crashes, or other operational issues.
  
  
  SAP System Settings: There may be issues with the SAP system settings, such as missing or incorrect RFC (Remote Function Call) destinations.
  
  
  Version Compatibility: Incompatibility between the versions of SAP and the external system can also lead to connection issues.
  
  
  Potential Solutions
  
  
  Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that the SAP system can reach the external system. You can use tools like ping or telnet to test connectivity to the external system's hostname and port.
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings: Verify the connection parameters in the SAP system. Check the RFC destination settings in transaction SM59 to ensure they are correct.
  
  
  Validate Credentials: If authentication is required, ensure that the credentials used to connect to the external system are correct and have not expired.
  
  
  Check External System Status: Confirm that the external system is up and running. If it is down, you may need to wait until it is back online or contact the system administrator.
  
  
  Review SAP Logs: Check the SAP system logs (transaction SM21) and the application logs (transaction SLG1) for more detailed error messages that can provide additional context.
  
  
  Test Connection: Use the connection test feature in transaction SM59 to test the RFC destination and see if it connects successfully.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review the documentation for both the SAP system and the external system for any specific configuration or compatibility requirements.
  
  
  Update Software: If there are known compatibility issues, consider updating the SAP system or the external system to a compatible version.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to RS015 or connectivity problems with external systems.
  Community Forums: SAP Community and other forums can be valuable resources for finding solutions to similar issues faced by other users.
  Technical Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support or your organization's IT support team for further assistance.
  
  By systematically checking these areas, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the RS015 error.