How To Fix >U016 - A communication error occurred during update


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: >U -

  • Message number: 016

  • Message text: A communication error occurred during update

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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 >U016 - A communication error occurred during update ?

    The SAP error message U016 indicates that a communication error occurred during an update process. This error can arise in various scenarios, such as during data updates, batch processing, or when interacting with external systems. Here are some common causes, potential solutions, and related information for this error:

    Causes:

    1. Network Issues: Temporary network disruptions or connectivity problems between the SAP system and the database or application server can lead to this error.
    2. Database Locking: If the database is locked or if there are issues with database transactions, it can cause communication errors.
    3. System Configuration: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system or in the communication parameters can lead to this error.
    4. Resource Limitations: Insufficient system resources (like memory or CPU) can cause timeouts or communication failures.
    5. Transport Layer Issues: Problems in the transport layer, such as issues with RFC (Remote Function Call) connections, can also trigger this error.
    6. Application Errors: Bugs or issues in the application logic that lead to unexpected behavior during updates.

    Solutions:

    1. Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that there are no network issues between the SAP application server and the database or other systems involved.
    2. Review System Logs: Check the SAP system logs (transaction SM21) and the application logs (transaction SLG1) for more detailed error messages that can provide insights into the root cause.
    3. Database Monitoring: Monitor the database for locks or performance issues. Use transaction codes like SM12 (to check for locks) and ST04 (to monitor database performance).
    4. Configuration Review: Verify the configuration settings in the SAP system, especially those related to communication and RFC connections (transaction SM59).
    5. Resource Allocation: Ensure that the SAP system has adequate resources allocated. Check for memory usage and CPU load.
    6. Retry the Operation: Sometimes, simply retrying the operation after a brief wait can resolve transient issues.
    7. Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide patches or updates.
    8. Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance, providing them with detailed logs and error messages.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM21 (System Log), SM59 (RFC Destinations), SM12 (Lock Entries), and SLG1 (Application Log).
    • SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
    • Documentation: Review SAP documentation for best practices on system configuration and troubleshooting communication errors.

    By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the U016 communication error in your SAP environment.

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