How To Fix RSM1638 - Value '&' is not a valid external value and cannot be converted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSM1 - Messages for AWB, Scheduler and Monitor (new)

• Message number: 638

• Message text: Value '&' is not a valid external value and cannot be converted

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RSM1638 - Value '&' is not a valid external value and cannot be converted ?

  The SAP error message RSM1638, which states "Value '&' is not a valid external value and cannot be converted," typically occurs in the context of data conversion or data processing within SAP systems, particularly when dealing with external values that are expected to conform to certain formats or standards.
  Cause:
  
  
  Invalid Input Value: The error usually arises when the system encounters a value that does not meet the expected format or criteria for conversion. This could be due to:
  
  Incorrect data entry.
  Data that is not in the expected format (e.g., a string instead of a number).
  Special characters or symbols that are not allowed.
  
  
  
  Configuration Issues: Sometimes, the issue may stem from incorrect configuration settings in the system that define what constitutes a valid external value.
  
  
  Data Type Mismatch: The value being processed may not match the expected data type (e.g., trying to convert a text string to a numeric value).
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Input Values: Review the input values that are being processed when the error occurs. Ensure that they conform to the expected format and do not contain invalid characters.
  
  
  Data Validation: Implement data validation checks before processing to ensure that only valid values are passed to the conversion routines.
  
  
  Configuration Review: If the error persists, review the configuration settings related to the data processing or conversion. Ensure that the settings align with the expected data formats.
  
  
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can trace the execution to identify where the invalid value is being introduced.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on the expected formats for the values being processed.
  
  
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in your code to catch such errors and provide meaningful feedback to users or log the errors for further analysis.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that may help in troubleshooting, such as SE80 (Object Navigator) or SE37 (Function Module).
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the RSM1638 error and implement a suitable solution.