How To Fix SY035 - Packed number does not have a sign

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

• Message number: 035

• Message text: Packed number does not have a sign

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SY035 - Packed number does not have a sign ?

  The SAP error message SY035: Packed number does not have a sign typically occurs when there is an issue with the handling of packed numbers in ABAP programs. Packed numbers are a data type in ABAP that allows for efficient storage of numeric values, and they are represented in a specific format that includes a sign.
  Cause:
  The error usually arises due to one of the following reasons:
  
  Incorrect Data Initialization: A packed number variable is not properly initialized, leading to a situation where the system expects a sign but finds none.
  Data Type Mismatch: There may be a mismatch between the expected data type and the actual data type being used in calculations or assignments.
  Invalid Data Conversion: When converting data types, if the conversion does not maintain the sign, this error can occur.
  Improper Handling of Negative Values: If a packed number is expected to hold a negative value but is not set correctly, it can lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the SY035 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Initialization: Ensure that all packed number variables are properly initialized before use. For example, if you have a packed number variable, make sure it is assigned a value that includes a sign.
  DATA: lv_packed TYPE p DECIMALS 2.
  lv_packed = '0.00'.  " Ensure it has a valid initial value
  
  
  Verify Data Types: Check the data types of the variables involved in the operation. Ensure that they are compatible and that packed numbers are being used correctly.
  
  
  Review Calculations: If the error occurs during calculations, review the logic to ensure that all packed numbers are being handled correctly, especially when dealing with negative values.
  
  
  Debugging: Use the ABAP debugger to step through the code and identify where the packed number is being manipulated. Look for any operations that might lead to an invalid state.
  
  
  Data Conversion: If you are converting data types, ensure that the conversion logic maintains the sign of the packed number. Use appropriate conversion functions if necessary.
  
  
  Check for External Data: If the packed number is being populated from an external source (like a database or an input file), ensure that the data being read is valid and includes the necessary sign.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Packed Number Format: In ABAP, packed numbers are defined with the p data type, and the last digit is used to store the sign (positive or negative).
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on packed numbers and their usage in ABAP programming.
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in your ABAP code to catch and manage such errors gracefully, providing meaningful messages to users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the SY035 error in your SAP environment.