How To Fix W8172 - Conversion of format & is not currently supported

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 172

• Message text: Conversion of format & is not currently supported

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8172 - Conversion of format & is not currently supported ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8172 Conversion of format & is not currently supported
  
  Cause
  This warning message occurs when SAP encounters a data format conversion request that it does not support. Specifically, the system is trying to convert data using a format code (represented by & in the message) that is either obsolete, not implemented, or not recognized in the current context.
  Common scenarios include:
  
  Using a format specifier in function modules or conversion routines that SAP does not handle.
  Attempting to convert data types or formats that are not supported by the standard SAP conversion logic.
  Custom code or user exits that call conversion functions with unsupported format parameters.
  Legacy or non-standard format strings passed to conversion functions like CONVERSION_EXIT_* or CL_ABAP_CONV_* classes.
  
  
  Explanation
  
  The & in the message is a placeholder for the actual format code or format string that caused the issue.
  The message is a warning (W), not an error, so the program may continue but the conversion might not be performed as expected.
  This message is often related to data conversion routines, especially when dealing with external data interfaces, IDocs, or custom conversions.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Identify the Format Code:
  
  Check the exact format code or string passed to the conversion function.
  Look at the program or function module where the conversion is called.
  Use debugging or logs to find the value replacing &.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Documentation:
  
  Verify if the format code is supported by SAP standard conversion exits or classes.
  Refer to SAP Notes or documentation for supported format codes.
  
  
  
  Modify or Remove Unsupported Format:
  
  If the format is custom or obsolete, consider removing or replacing it with a supported format.
  Adjust the code to use standard SAP conversion exits or implement a custom conversion routine if necessary.
  
  
  
  Implement Custom Conversion (if needed):
  
  If the required format is not supported, create a custom conversion exit or class to handle the format.
  Register the custom conversion exit properly in SAP.
  
  
  
  Check for OSS Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for OSS Notes related to message W8172.
  Sometimes SAP provides patches or corrections for conversion issues.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Conversion Exits: SAP uses conversion exits (e.g., CONVERSION_EXIT_ALPHA_INPUT) to convert data formats between internal and external representations.
  Function Modules: Conversion routines are often implemented in function modules or classes.
  IDocs and Interfaces: Data format conversions are common in IDoc processing and external interfaces.
  Debugging: Use transaction SE37 or SE80 to debug conversion function modules or classes.
  SAP Notes: Check for notes related to conversion issues or message W8172.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Unsupported or unrecognized data format conversion requested by SAP.
  
  
  Effect
  Warning message; conversion may not be performed correctly.
  
  
  Solution
  Identify unsupported format, replace with supported format, or implement custom conversion.
  
  
  Related Info
  Conversion exits, function modules, IDocs, SAP Notes, debugging tools.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact format code or the context where this message appears, I can help you with a more specific solution.