How To Fix SH003 - The selection string you entered is invalid

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SH - SAPhelp messages

• Message number: 003

• Message text: The selection string you entered is invalid

What causes this issue?

No valid match code ID can be found.

System Response

The match code selection is cancelled.

How to fix this error?

Enter the search term in following format:
"A<separator>B<separator>C...". The default <separator> is a
period ("."). You can change it in the Include MCINCSEP.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SH003 - The selection string you entered is invalid ?

  The SAP error message SH003, which states "The selection string you entered is invalid," typically occurs when there is an issue with the input provided in a selection screen or when trying to execute a report or transaction that requires specific selection criteria.
  Causes:
  
  Invalid Input Format: The selection string may not conform to the expected format. For example, if a date is expected, but a string is provided instead.
  Incorrect Field Values: The values entered in the selection fields may not be valid or may not exist in the database.
  Missing Required Fields: Some fields may be mandatory, and if they are left blank or filled incorrectly, it can trigger this error.
  Data Type Mismatch: The data type of the input does not match the expected data type for the field.
  Custom Code Issues: If there are custom enhancements or modifications in the program, they may be causing the error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Input Values: Review the values entered in the selection screen. Ensure they are in the correct format and valid.
  Refer to Documentation: Consult the documentation or help text associated with the selection screen to understand the expected input.
  Mandatory Fields: Ensure that all mandatory fields are filled out correctly.
  Data Type Verification: Verify that the data types of the inputs match the expected types (e.g., numeric, date).
  Test with Default Values: Try running the report or transaction with default or minimal values to see if the error persists.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can debug the program to identify where the error is occurring.
  Consult with SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error can occur in various transaction codes, depending on the context in which the selection string is used.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide patches or updates.
  User Forums: SAP Community and other user forums can be helpful for finding similar issues and solutions shared by other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SH003 error in SAP.