How To Fix /SCMTMS/COMMON159 - Column separator not valid

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SCMTMS/COMMON -

• Message number: 159

• Message text: Column separator not valid

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 /SCMTMS/COMMON159 - Column separator not valid ?

  The SAP error message /SCMTMS/COMMON159 Column separator not valid typically occurs in the context of SAP Transportation Management (TM) when there is an issue with the format of data being processed, particularly when importing or exporting data that involves a column separator.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Separator: The error indicates that the column separator used in the data file or input is not recognized or is invalid. This could happen if the separator is not one of the expected characters (e.g., comma, semicolon, tab).
  Incorrect File Format: The file being processed may not be in the expected format, leading to issues in parsing the data correctly.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that define what the valid column separators are, and these may not align with the data being processed.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Data File: Review the data file you are trying to import or export. Ensure that the column separator used is valid and matches the expected format. Common separators include commas (,), semicolons (;), or tabs.
  Adjust Configuration: If you have access to the configuration settings in SAP TM, check the settings for valid column separators. You may need to adjust these settings to match the format of your data file.
  Use a Different Format: If possible, try exporting or importing the data in a different format that uses a recognized column separator.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for the specific transaction or process you are working with to ensure you are following the correct procedures and using the correct formats.
  Error Logs: Check the error logs for more detailed information about the error. This may provide additional context that can help in troubleshooting the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide guidance on handling data imports/exports in SAP TM.
  Community Forums: Consider searching or posting in SAP community forums or SAP support channels for additional insights from other users who may have encountered the same issue.
  Testing: If you are making changes to the data file or configuration, consider testing with a small sample of data first to ensure that the changes resolve the issue without introducing new problems.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.