How To Fix VPD016 - The system cannot 'phone partner &1 (function &2)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VPD - Messages in SD Partner Processing

• Message number: 016

• Message text: The system cannot 'phone partner &1 (function &2)

What causes this issue?

The partner that you want to call does not have an address in central
address management format, needed in order to use SAPphone.

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?

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 VPD016 - The system cannot 'phone partner &1 (function &2) ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VPD016 The system cannot 'phone partner &1 (function &2)
  
  Meaning / Cause
  This error occurs when the SAP system tries to communicate with a partner system (such as another SAP system or external system) via RFC (Remote Function Call) or a similar communication method, but the connection attempt fails. The message indicates that the system cannot "phone" (i.e., establish a connection to) the specified partner system identified by &1 using the function &2.
  Common causes include:
  
  Network connectivity issues between the systems.
  Incorrect or missing RFC destination configuration.
  The partner system is down or not reachable.
  Firewall or security settings blocking the connection.
  Incorrect partner system name or function module.
  SAP Gateway or dispatcher not running on the partner system.
  Incorrect port or service parameters.
  
  
  Solution / Troubleshooting Steps
  
  
  Check RFC Destination:
  
  Go to transaction SM59.
  Verify the RFC destination for the partner system (&1).
  Test the connection using the "Test Connection" button.
  If the test fails, check the configuration parameters (target host, system number, gateway, service, user credentials).
  
  
  
  Check Network Connectivity:
  
  Ping the partner system's host from the SAP application server.
  Use telnet <host> <port> to verify if the SAP gateway port is reachable.
  
  
  
  Check Partner System Status:
  
  Ensure the partner SAP system is up and running.
  Check if the SAP Gateway and dispatcher are active on the partner system.
  
  
  
  Check Firewall and Security Settings:
  
  Verify that no firewall is blocking the required ports (usually gateway port 33).
  Check if any network security policies prevent communication.
  
  
  
  Check Gateway and Dispatcher Logs:
  
  On both systems, check the gateway logs (gwrd trace files) for errors.
  Check system logs (transaction SM21) for related errors.
  
  
  
  Verify User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure the user used in the RFC destination has the necessary authorizations.
  
  
  
  Check for Correct Function Module:
  
  Verify that the function module or communication function (&2) exists and is active on the partner system.
  
  
  
  Restart SAP Gateway:
  
  If necessary, restart the SAP Gateway on the partner system.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction SM59: Used to configure and test RFC destinations.
  Transaction SM21: System log for error analysis.
  Transaction ST22: Check for dumps related to communication errors.
  SAP Notes: Search for specific SAP Notes related to VPD016 for your SAP version.
  SAP Gateway: The communication layer responsible for RFC connections.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  VPD016 The system cannot 'phone partner &1 (function &2)
  
  
  Cause
  Communication failure to partner system via RFC or gateway
  
  
  Solution
  Check RFC destination, network, partner system status, firewall, gateway logs
  
  
  Tools
  SM59, SM21, ST22, OS network commands (ping, telnet)
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact partner system name and function, or logs, more specific guidance can be given.