How To Fix SY164 - Field contains incorrect BCD format

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

• Message number: 164

• Message text: Field contains incorrect BCD format

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SY164 - Field contains incorrect BCD format ?

  The SAP error message SY164, which states "Field contains incorrect BCD format," typically occurs when there is an issue with the Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD) format of a numeric field in SAP. BCD is a way of encoding decimal numbers where each digit is represented by its own binary sequence.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Data Entry: The most common cause is that the data entered into a field is not in the correct BCD format. This can happen if non-numeric characters are included or if the number exceeds the allowed range.
  Data Conversion Issues: If data is being transferred from one system to another or if it is being converted, it may not be properly formatted as BCD.
  Field Length Exceeded: If the value being entered exceeds the defined length of the field, it can lead to this error.
  Custom Code or Enhancements: If there are custom programs or enhancements that manipulate BCD fields, they may not be handling the data correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input Data: Ensure that the data being entered into the field is numeric and adheres to the BCD format. Remove any non-numeric characters.
  Verify Field Length: Check the field definition in the data dictionary (SE11) to ensure that the value being entered does not exceed the maximum length allowed.
  Data Conversion: If data is being imported or converted, ensure that the conversion logic correctly formats the data as BCD.
  Debugging: If the error occurs in a custom program, use the debugger to trace the data flow and identify where the incorrect format is being introduced.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this issue, as there may be patches or updates that resolve known problems related to BCD formatting.
  
  Related Information:
  
  BCD Format: In BCD, each digit of a decimal number is represented by a four-bit binary sequence. For example, the decimal number 45 would be represented in BCD as 0100 0101.
  Data Dictionary (SE11): You can use transaction SE11 to check the data type and length of the field that is causing the error.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE37 (Function Modules), SE80 (Object Navigator), and SE38 (ABAP Programs) for debugging and analyzing the issue.
  SAP Community: Consider searching or posting in the SAP Community forums for additional insights or similar experiences from other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the SY164 error in SAP.