How To Fix UPS181 - Inbound ALE distribution packets must include message numbers

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UPS - ALE Distribution Packet

• Message number: 181

• Message text: Inbound ALE distribution packets must include message numbers

Self-Explanatory Message

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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 UPS181 - Inbound ALE distribution packets must include message numbers ?

  The SAP error message UPS181 indicates that there is an issue with the inbound Application Link Enabling (ALE) distribution packets. Specifically, it states that the packets must include message numbers, which are essential for the proper processing of the data being transferred between systems.
  Cause:
  The error typically arises due to one of the following reasons:
  
  
  Missing Message Numbers: The inbound ALE distribution packets do not contain the required message numbers. This can happen if the sending system did not include the message numbers in the outbound ALE IDoc or if there was an issue during the transmission.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the ALE settings, such as incorrect settings for the logical systems or message types.
  
  
  IDoc Structure: The structure of the IDoc being sent may not conform to the expected format, leading to missing fields, including message numbers.
  
  
  Version Mismatch: There could be a version mismatch between the systems involved, where one system expects a different format or structure for the IDoc.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the UPS181 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check IDoc Structure: Verify the structure of the IDoc being sent. Ensure that it includes all required fields, especially the message numbers. You can use transaction WE02 or WE05 to analyze the IDocs.
  
  
  Review ALE Configuration: Check the ALE configuration in both the sending and receiving systems. Ensure that the logical systems are correctly defined and that the message types are properly configured.
  
  
  Reprocess IDocs: If the IDoc was generated incorrectly, you may need to reprocess it. This can involve correcting the data in the sending system and resending the IDoc.
  
  
  Check for Updates: Ensure that both systems are updated to the latest support packages or patches, as there may be fixes related to ALE processing.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to ALE and IDoc processing for any specific guidance or known issues that may relate to your situation.
  
  
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the inbound processing to identify where the message numbers are being lost or not processed correctly.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like WE02, WE05, and WE19 for monitoring and testing IDocs.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  ALE Documentation: Review SAP's official documentation on ALE and IDoc processing for best practices and configuration guidelines.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the UPS181 error and implement a solution to resolve it.