How To Fix /SMB/DEFINITION020 - Illegal call: Field meta data is initial

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SMB/DEFINITION -

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Illegal call: Field meta data is initial

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 /SMB/DEFINITION020 - Illegal call: Field meta data is initial ?

  The SAP error message /SMB/DEFINITION020 Illegal call: Field meta data is initial typically occurs in the context of SAP Business One or related applications when there is an issue with the metadata of a field that is being accessed or manipulated. This error indicates that the system is trying to access field metadata that has not been properly initialized or is missing.
  Causes:
  
  Uninitialized Field Metadata: The field metadata that the system is trying to access has not been set up or initialized correctly.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the database or the application that lead to missing or incorrect metadata.
  Customizations or Add-ons: If there are customizations or third-party add-ons, they may not be handling field metadata correctly, leading to this error.
  Data Corruption: There could be corruption in the database or in the application that is causing the metadata to be unreadable or missing.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Field Configuration: Verify that the field in question is properly configured in the system. Ensure that all necessary metadata is defined and initialized.
  Review Custom Code: If there are any customizations or add-ons, review the code to ensure that it is correctly handling field metadata. Look for any areas where the metadata might not be initialized before being accessed.
  Database Integrity Check: Perform a database integrity check to ensure that there are no corruption issues. This may involve running specific database repair tools or scripts.
  Reinitialize Metadata: If possible, try to reinitialize the metadata for the affected fields. This may involve reconfiguring the fields in the application or database.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or support resources for guidance on handling this specific error message.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They may have specific patches or solutions for this error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  System Logs: Review system logs for additional context or related error messages that may provide more insight into the issue.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed and resolved.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.