How To Fix UPF085 - Formula error: &1 was expected

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UPF - Planning Functions

• Message number: 085

• Message text: Formula error: &1 was expected

What causes this issue?

A syntactic error was discovered.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Correct the formula.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message UPF085 - Formula error: &1 was expected ?

  The SAP error message UPF085, which states "Formula error: &1 was expected," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Payroll or Personnel Administration modules, particularly when dealing with wage types and their associated calculations. This error indicates that there is a problem with a formula used in the payroll processing, where the system expected a certain value or parameter but did not find it.
  Cause:
  
  Missing or Incorrect Formula: The formula defined for a wage type may be incomplete or incorrectly configured. This could be due to missing operands, incorrect syntax, or a reference to a non-existent variable.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues in the configuration of the payroll schema or the specific wage type that is being processed.
  Data Issues: The data being processed may not meet the expected criteria, leading to the formula not being able to execute properly.
  Custom Code: If there are custom enhancements or modifications in the payroll processing, they may not be functioning as intended.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Formula: Review the formula associated with the wage type that is causing the error. Ensure that all required components are present and correctly defined.
  Review Configuration: Go to the configuration settings for the payroll schema and wage types. Ensure that everything is set up correctly and that there are no missing links or incorrect settings.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can run the payroll process in debug mode to identify where the error occurs and what specific value or parameter is missing.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on the specific formula or wage type in question.
  Check for Updates: Ensure that your SAP system is up to date with the latest patches and updates, as this may resolve known issues.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like PE02 (to maintain payroll schemas) or PE04 (to maintain wage types) to check and modify the relevant configurations.
  SAP Notes: Look for SAP Notes related to UPF085 or the specific wage type you are working with, as they may provide additional insights or solutions.
  Community Forums: SAP Community and other forums can be valuable resources for finding similar issues faced by other users and their solutions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the UPF085 error in your SAP system.