How To Fix /SMB/IMPORT_EXPORT016 - Error in system setup (global metadata)


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: /SMB/IMPORT_EXPORT -

  • Message number: 016

  • Message text: Error in system setup (global metadata)

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  • 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/IMPORT_EXPORT016 - Error in system setup (global metadata) ?

    The SAP error message /SMB/IMPORT_EXPORT016 Error in system setup (global metadata) typically indicates an issue related to the configuration of the system, particularly concerning the global metadata settings in the SAP system. This error can arise during the import or export of data, especially in the context of SAP Business One or other SAP modules that utilize metadata for data management.

    Causes:

    1. Incorrect Configuration: The global metadata settings may not be properly configured, leading to inconsistencies or missing information.
    2. Missing Metadata: Required metadata for the operation may be missing or not properly defined in the system.
    3. Version Mismatch: There may be a version mismatch between the source and target systems, especially if you are importing/exporting data between different SAP environments.
    4. Authorization Issues: The user performing the operation may not have the necessary permissions to access or modify the global metadata.
    5. Corrupted Metadata: The metadata itself may be corrupted or not properly loaded into the system.

    Solutions:

    1. Check Configuration: Review the global metadata configuration settings in the SAP system. Ensure that all required fields and settings are correctly defined.
    2. Validate Metadata: Ensure that all necessary metadata is present and correctly defined. You may need to regenerate or re-import the metadata if it is missing or corrupted.
    3. User Permissions: Verify that the user has the appropriate permissions to perform the import/export operation. Adjust roles and authorizations as necessary.
    4. System Compatibility: Ensure that the source and target systems are compatible in terms of version and configuration. If there is a mismatch, consider upgrading or aligning the systems.
    5. Consult Logs: Check the system logs for more detailed error messages that can provide additional context about the issue. This can help in diagnosing the root cause.
    6. SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes or Knowledge Base Articles (KBAs) that may address this specific error. SAP frequently updates its documentation and may have specific fixes or patches available.

    Related Information:

    • SAP Support: If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance. They can provide more tailored guidance based on your specific system setup.
    • Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed. Other users may have encountered the same error and can share their solutions.
    • Documentation: Review the official SAP documentation related to metadata management and data import/export processes for additional insights and best practices.

    By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the /SMB/IMPORT_EXPORT016 error in your SAP system.

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