How To Fix SMARTFORMS003 - Error when processing PDF

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SMARTFORMS - Smart Forms - Form Builder

• Message number: 003

• Message text: Error when processing PDF

&CAUSE& One of the following errors occurred when formatting the PDF
data:
Adobe Acrobat Reader is not registered in the system
Error when converting from OTF to PDF format
Error when downloading data
Error when calling the Acrobat Reader (could not be started)

System Response

Data in PDF format is not displayed.

How to fix this error?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SMARTFORMS003 - Error when processing PDF ?

  The SAP error message SMARTFORMS003 typically occurs when there is an issue with processing Smart Forms into PDF format. This error can arise due to various reasons, including configuration issues, missing data, or problems with the Smart Form itself.
  Causes of SMARTFORMS003 Error
  
  Missing or Incorrect Form Configuration: The Smart Form may not be correctly configured or may be missing necessary elements.
  Data Issues: The data being passed to the Smart Form may be incomplete or incorrect, leading to processing errors.
  Output Device Configuration: The output device settings may not be correctly configured for PDF output.
  Memory Issues: Insufficient memory or system resources can lead to processing failures.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to execute the Smart Form or access the required data.
  SAP Kernel or Software Bugs: There may be bugs in the SAP kernel or the Smart Forms software that cause the error.
  
  Solutions to SMARTFORMS003 Error
  
  
  Check Smart Form Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the Smart Form is correctly configured and all necessary elements are included.
  Test the Smart Form in the Smart Forms transaction (SMARTFORMS) to see if it generates correctly without errors.
  
  
  
  Validate Input Data:
  
  Check the data being passed to the Smart Form. Ensure that all required fields are populated and that the data types are correct.
  
  
  
  Review Output Device Settings:
  
  Go to transaction SPAD and check the configuration of the output device being used for PDF generation. Ensure that it supports PDF output.
  
  
  
  Increase Memory Allocation:
  
  If memory issues are suspected, consider increasing the memory allocation for the SAP system or the specific user session.
  
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Verify that the user executing the Smart Form has the necessary authorizations to access the data and execute the form.
  
  
  
  Update SAP Kernel:
  
  If the issue persists, check for any available updates or patches for the SAP kernel or Smart Forms component that may resolve known bugs.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If you have access to debugging tools, you can debug the Smart Form execution to identify the exact point of failure.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address the specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SMARTFORMS: To create or modify Smart Forms.
  SPAD: To manage output devices.
  SE37: To check function modules related to Smart Forms.
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for Smart Forms for detailed guidance on configuration and troubleshooting.
  
  
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the SMARTFORMS003 error effectively. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.