How To Fix RSM196 - Invalid data type: &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSM -

• Message number: 196

• Message text: Invalid data type: &

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 RSM196 - Invalid data type: & ?

  The SAP error message RSM196 "Invalid data type: &" typically occurs in the context of data extraction or transformation processes, particularly when working with SAP's data warehousing or reporting tools like SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence). This error indicates that there is an issue with the data type of a field or variable being used in a query, transformation, or data flow.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Data Type: The most common cause is that the data type of a field does not match the expected data type in the context where it is being used. For example, a numeric field might be expected, but a character field is provided instead.
  Data Source Issues: The data source might have been modified, and the changes have not been reflected in the data model or transformation logic.
  Mapping Errors: There could be errors in the mapping of fields in transformations or data flows, leading to mismatched data types.
  Custom Code: If there is any custom ABAP code or user-exits involved, there might be a data type mismatch in the code.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Types: Review the data types of the fields involved in the query or transformation. Ensure that they match the expected data types.
  Update Data Model: If there have been changes to the underlying data source, update the data model in SAP BW to reflect these changes.
  Review Transformations: Check the transformations and mappings for any discrepancies in data types. Make sure that the source and target fields are compatible.
  Debug Custom Code: If there is custom ABAP code involved, debug it to identify any data type mismatches and correct them.
  Re-activate Objects: Sometimes, re-activating the InfoObjects, DataSources, or transformations can resolve inconsistencies.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific version of SAP you are using for any known issues or additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific notes related to the RSM196 error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common issues.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like RSA1 (Data Warehousing Workbench) to analyze and manage your data models and transformations.
  Community Forums: SAP Community and other forums can be helpful for finding similar issues faced by other users and their solutions.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.