How To Fix W8091 - Time specifications are expected in the internal format HHMMSS

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 091

• Message text: Time specifications are expected in the internal format HHMMSS

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8091 - Time specifications are expected in the internal format HHMMSS ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8091 – Time specifications are expected in the internal format HHMMSS
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when a time value is entered or processed in a format that does not conform to the expected internal SAP time format. SAP expects time values to be in the internal format HHMMSS (Hours, Minutes, Seconds) without any separators or additional characters.
  For example:  
  
  Correct format: 093015 (which means 09:30:15 AM)  
  Incorrect format: 09:30:15 or 9.30.15 or 9:30
  
  This error often appears during data input, data migration, or when interfacing with SAP through batch input, BAPIs, or IDocs where time fields are involved.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Input Format:
  
  Ensure that all time values are provided in the internal SAP format HHMMSS. For example, if the time is 2:45 PM and 30 seconds, it should be entered as 144530.
  
  
  Data Conversion:
  
  If the time is coming from an external system or user input in a different format (e.g., HH:MM:SS), convert it to the internal format before passing it to SAP. This can be done by:
  
  Removing colons or other separators.
  Padding hours, minutes, or seconds with leading zeros if necessary.
  Concatenating the parts into a single string.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Function Modules:
  
  Use SAP standard function modules or classes to convert time formats, such as:
  
  CONVERSION_EXIT_TIME_INPUT for converting external time format to internal.
  CONVERSION_EXIT_TIME_OUTPUT for the reverse.
  
  
  
  Check Custom Code or Interfaces:
  
  If the error occurs during data upload or interface processing, review the code or mapping logic to ensure time fields are correctly formatted.
  
  
  User Training:
  
  If the error is due to manual input, train users to enter time in the correct format or provide input help (F4 help) or input masks.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Internal Time Format in SAP:
  
  SAP stores time internally as a 6-character string HHMMSS where:
  
  HH = Hours (00 to 23)
  MM = Minutes (00 to 59)
  SS = Seconds (00 to 59)
  
  
  
  Common Scenarios for W8091:  
  
  Manual entry in transaction screens where time fields are involved.  
  Data migration using LSMW, BDC, or direct table updates.  
  Interfaces or IDocs where time fields are mapped incorrectly.  
  Custom programs or reports that do not handle time formatting properly.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to time field handling if the problem persists or if it occurs in standard SAP transactions.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  W8091 – Time specifications expected in internal format HHMMSS
  
  
  Cause
  Time entered or processed not in HHMMSS format
  
  
  Solution
  Convert time to HHMMSS format before input or processing
  
  
  Tools
  Use conversion exits or function modules for time conversion
  
  
  Prevention
  Validate and format time fields in interfaces and user inputs
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the context where this error occurs (e.g., transaction, program, interface), I can help with more specific guidance.