How To Fix RSM178 - Communication structure & does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSM -

• Message number: 178

• Message text: Communication structure & does not exist

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 RSM178 - Communication structure & does not exist ?

  The SAP error message RSM178 typically indicates that there is an issue with the communication structure in the context of SAP's data extraction processes, particularly when dealing with the SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence) systems. This error can occur when the system is unable to find the specified communication structure, which is essential for data extraction and reporting.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Communication Structure: The specified communication structure does not exist in the system. This could be due to a configuration issue or because the structure has not been created or activated.
  Incorrect Configuration: The communication structure may not be properly configured in the source system or the BW system.
  Transport Issues: If the communication structure was recently transported from another system, it may not have been transported correctly or completely.
  Version Mismatch: There may be a version mismatch between the source system and the BW system, leading to the communication structure not being recognized.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Communication Structure: Verify that the communication structure exists in the system. You can do this by navigating to the relevant transaction (e.g., RSA1 for Data Warehousing Workbench) and checking the communication structures under the relevant InfoSource or DataSource.
  Recreate or Activate: If the communication structure is missing, you may need to recreate it or activate it if it exists but is not active.
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings for the DataSource or InfoSource to ensure that they are correctly set up to use the communication structure.
  Transport Check: If the structure was supposed to be transported from another system, check the transport logs to ensure that it was transported successfully. If not, you may need to re-transport it.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific version of SAP you are using, as there may be specific patches or updates that address this issue.
  System Refresh: In some cases, refreshing the system or performing a system restart may resolve temporary issues related to communication structures.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as RSA1 (Data Warehousing Workbench), RSO2 (DataSource Maintenance), and RSA3 (DataSource Test).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or fixes related to the RSM178 error message. You can search for notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or BW team for further investigation and support.