How To Fix W8139 - Element & not in source container

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 139

• Message text: Element & not in source container

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8139 - Element & not in source container ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8139 - Element & not in source container
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs during the execution of an ABAP program or a transformation (e.g., in SAP PI/PO or ABAP-based transformations) when the system tries to access an element (field or node) that does not exist in the source container or source structure.
  In other words, the program or transformation expects a particular data element (identified by the placeholder & which will be replaced by the actual element name in the message) to be present in the source container, but it is missing.
  Common scenarios include:
  
  A mapping or transformation tries to read a field that was not passed or initialized.
  The source structure or container does not contain the expected element due to incorrect data flow or missing data.
  Typographical errors in the element name.
  The element is conditionally created and is not present in the current context.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Element Name:
  
  Verify the exact element name mentioned in the message.
  Ensure that the element name is spelled correctly in the code or mapping.
  
  
  
  Verify Source Container Contents:
  
  Debug or log the contents of the source container before the point where the error occurs.
  Confirm whether the element exists in the source container at runtime.
  
  
  
  Adjust the Mapping or Code:
  
  If the element is optional, add a check to see if the element exists before accessing it.
  Use conditional logic to handle cases where the element might be missing.
  For ABAP transformations, use IF source->element IS BOUND. or similar checks.
  
  
  
  Ensure Data Flow Completeness:
  
  Check upstream processes or mappings to ensure the element is correctly populated and passed along.
  If the element is missing due to a previous step, fix the data flow or transformation logic.
  
  
  
  Review Metadata and Structures:
  
  Confirm that the metadata definitions (DDIC structures, message types, data types) are consistent and include the element.
  If the element was recently added, ensure all relevant objects are regenerated or activated.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Context: This message is common in SAP Process Integration (PI/PO) mappings, ABAP transformations, and sometimes in BAPI or IDoc processing where data containers are used.
  Message Class: W8 (related to container or mapping warnings)
  SAP Notes: Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to W8139 for specific scenarios.
  Debugging Tips:
  
  Use breakpoints or write statements to dump the source container.
  Check the transformation or mapping logic step-by-step.
  
  
  Example:
  IF source->element IS BOUND.
    target->element = source->element.
  ELSE.
    " Handle missing element case
  ENDIF.
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context (e.g., ABAP program, PI mapping, IDoc processing), I can give more tailored advice.