How To Fix W8168 - Error converting entry for field &-&

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Error converting entry for field &-&

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8168 - Error converting entry for field &-& ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8168 - Error converting entry for field &-&
  
  Cause:
  This warning message typically occurs during data conversion or data transfer processes (e.g., during data migration, batch input, or data upload) when the system encounters a problem converting the input data for a specific field. The placeholders &-& are replaced by the actual field name and the problematic value.
  Common causes include:
  
  Incorrect data format: The input data does not match the expected format for the field (e.g., trying to convert a non-numeric string into a numeric field).
  Invalid characters: The data contains characters that cannot be converted or are not allowed.
  Field length exceeded: The input data is longer than the field length defined in the data dictionary.
  Data type mismatch: The source data type does not correspond to the target field data type.
  Conversion routine issues: Custom or standard conversion routines (CONVERSION_EXIT) fail to process the data correctly.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the W8168 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify the field and value:
  
  Check the exact field name and the value causing the conversion error (these are shown in the message placeholders).
  
  
  Check data format and length:
  
  Verify that the input data matches the expected format and length for the field in the SAP Data Dictionary (SE11).
  
  
  Validate source data:
  
  Ensure the source data is clean, free of invalid characters, and consistent with the target field requirements.
  
  
  Review conversion routines:
  
  If a conversion exit is used for the field, check the logic in the conversion routine (transaction CMOD or directly in the function module) to ensure it handles the input data correctly.
  
  
  Adjust data or mapping:
  
  Correct the source data or adjust the mapping/conversion logic to ensure compatibility.
  
  
  Test with corrected data:
  
  Re-run the data load or conversion process with the corrected data.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  SE11 (Data Dictionary) — to check field definitions  
  SM35 (Batch Input) — if batch input is involved  
  ST22 (Dump Analysis) — if a runtime error occurs  
  CMOD (Enhancement Management) — to check conversion exits
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to W8168 or data conversion errors for your specific module or process.
  
  
  Common scenarios:  
  
  Data migration projects (e.g., LSMW, BAPIs)  
  IDoc processing errors  
  Batch input session processing
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  W8168 indicates a data conversion problem for a specific field during data processing. The root cause is usually a mismatch between the input data and the expected field format or length. The solution involves identifying the problematic field and value, verifying and correcting the data format, and ensuring any conversion routines handle the data properly.
  
  If you provide the exact field name and value from the message, I can help you with more specific advice.