How To Fix W8087 - Source element & does not exist; target element & will be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W8 - Workflow: Expressions, data flow

• Message number: 087

• Message text: Source element & does not exist; target element & will be deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8087 - Source element & does not exist; target element & will be deleted ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation of the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  W8087 Source element & does not exist; target element & will be deleted
  
  Cause:
  This warning message typically occurs during data transfer or data mapping processes, such as in SAP Data Services, SAP PI/PO, or SAP ALE/IDoc processing, when the system tries to map or transform data from a source structure to a target structure.
  
  The source element (field or node) specified in the mapping or transformation does not exist in the incoming data or source structure.
  Because the source element is missing, the system cannot populate the corresponding target element.
  As a result, the system decides to delete or ignore the target element in the output or target structure.
  
  This situation often arises due to:
  
  Incorrect or outdated mapping definitions.
  Changes in the source data structure (e.g., fields removed or renamed).
  Missing or incomplete data in the source.
  Incorrect configuration in the interface or transformation logic.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this warning, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Verify Source Structure:
  
  Check the source data or structure to confirm whether the source element actually exists.
  If the source element is missing, understand why (e.g., data not sent, field removed).
  
  
  
  Check Mapping/Transformation:
  
  Review the mapping or transformation rules where the source element is referenced.
  If the source element no longer exists or is not required, remove or update the mapping accordingly.
  
  
  
  Update Interface or Data Flow:
  
  If the source element is expected but missing, investigate upstream processes or data providers to ensure the element is included.
  If the source element is optional, consider adding conditional logic to handle its absence gracefully.
  
  
  
  Adjust Target Structure:
  
  If the target element is not needed when the source element is missing, the deletion is appropriate.
  Otherwise, modify the target structure or default values to handle missing source data.
  
  
  
  Test Changes:
  
  After adjustments, test the data flow or interface to ensure the warning no longer appears and data is correctly processed.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Message Class: W8 (or similar, depending on module)
  Context: Common in data mapping, IDoc processing, BAPI calls, or ALE scenarios.
  Impact: Usually a warning, not an error; processing continues but with missing data in the target.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to your specific module or interface for known issues.
  Tools: Use transaction codes like WE02 (IDoc display), SXMB_MONI (PI/PO monitoring), or Data Services Designer to analyze data flows.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Source element referenced in mapping does not exist in incoming data; target element deleted.
  
  
  Effect
  Target element is removed or left empty in output.
  
  
  Solution
  Verify source data, update mapping, fix upstream data providers, or adjust target structure.
  
  
  Severity
  Warning (processing continues, but data may be incomplete).
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., module, transaction, scenario), I can give more tailored advice.