How To Fix /SMB/DEFINITION018 - Illegal call: Fieldname is initial

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SMB/DEFINITION -

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Illegal call: Fieldname is initial

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SMB/DEFINITION018 - Illegal call: Fieldname is initial ?

  The SAP error message /SMB/DEFINITION018 Illegal call: Fieldname is initial typically occurs in the context of SAP Business One or related applications when there is an attempt to access or manipulate a field that has not been properly initialized or is empty (i.e., its value is initial).
  Cause:
  
  Uninitialized Field: The error indicates that a field name being referenced in the code or configuration is empty or not set. This can happen if the field is expected to have a value but does not.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be a misconfiguration in the data model or in the way the fields are being accessed in the code.
  Programming Error: If custom code (e.g., user-defined functions, add-ons) is involved, there may be a bug or oversight in the logic that leads to this error.
  Data Integrity Issues: If the data being processed is incomplete or corrupted, it may lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Field Initialization: Ensure that the field in question is properly initialized before it is accessed. This may involve checking the data entry forms or the logic that populates these fields.
  Review Custom Code: If you have custom code, review it to ensure that all fields are being correctly referenced and initialized. Add checks to handle cases where fields may be empty.
  Debugging: Use debugging tools to trace the execution of the code and identify where the field is being accessed without being initialized.
  Data Validation: Implement data validation checks to ensure that all required fields are populated before processing.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or community forums for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific notes related to this error message. SAP frequently updates their knowledge base with solutions to common issues.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  System Logs: Review system logs for additional context or related error messages that may provide more insight into the problem.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.