How To Fix RSDS187 - Delta field &1 must be numeric for delta method "num. pointer"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSDS - New DataSource

• Message number: 187

• Message text: Delta field &1 must be numeric for delta method "num. pointer"

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RSDS187 - Delta field &1 must be numeric for delta method "num. pointer" ?

  The SAP error message RSDS187 indicates that there is an issue with a delta field that is expected to be numeric but is not. This error typically arises in the context of delta extraction in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) when using the delta method "number pointer."
  Cause:
  The error occurs when the delta field specified in the data source is not of a numeric data type, but the delta extraction method requires it to be numeric. This can happen due to:
  
  Data Type Mismatch: The field in the source system is defined as a non-numeric type (e.g., character, string) while the delta extraction expects it to be numeric.
  Incorrect Configuration: The data source or InfoObject may be incorrectly configured, leading to the expectation of a numeric field where there is none.
  Data Source Definition: The delta field might not be properly defined in the data source or might be missing altogether.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the RSDS187 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Data Source Definition:
  
  Go to the Data Source in the SAP BW system and check the field definitions.
  Ensure that the delta field is defined as a numeric type (e.g., INT, DEC) in the source system.
  
  
  
  Modify Field Type:
  
  If the field is incorrectly defined as a non-numeric type, you may need to modify the data source or the underlying table in the source system to ensure it is numeric.
  
  
  
  Update Data Source:
  
  If changes are made to the source system, you may need to update the data source in SAP BW. This can be done by reactivating the data source or performing a full update.
  
  
  
  Check Delta Configuration:
  
  Review the delta configuration settings in the InfoPackage and ensure that the delta method is correctly set up to use a numeric pointer.
  
  
  
  Test Extraction:
  
  After making the necessary changes, perform a test extraction to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Delta Extraction: Delta extraction is a method used in SAP BW to extract only the changed data since the last extraction, which is more efficient than full data loads.
  Data Types in SAP: Understanding the different data types in SAP (CHAR, NUMC, DEC, etc.) is crucial for configuring data sources and ensuring compatibility.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or fixes related to this error message.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or BW team for further investigation.