How To Fix WE220 - The EAN & is not numeric

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WE - Messages for EAN Customizing and for EAN management in MM_BD

• Message number: 220

• Message text: The EAN & is not numeric

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE220 - The EAN & is not numeric ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WE220 - The EAN & is not numeric
  
  Cause:
  The error message WE220 occurs during the processing of an IDoc when the system expects an EAN (European Article Number) or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) to be numeric, but the data received contains non-numeric characters.
  EAN/GTIN numbers are standardized numeric codes used to identify products uniquely. SAP expects these fields to contain only digits (0-9). If the IDoc segment contains alphabetic characters, special characters, or spaces in the EAN field, the system raises this error.
  
  Where it occurs:
  
  During IDoc inbound processing (e.g., ORDERS, INVOIC, DESADV messages).
  In segments like E1EDP01 or E1EDP19 where EAN/GTIN is mapped.
  When validating the EAN field against the expected numeric format.
  
  
  Typical Scenario:
  
  The sender system sends an IDoc with an EAN field containing letters or special characters.
  SAP tries to convert or validate the EAN field as numeric.
  The validation fails, triggering WE220.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the IDoc Data:
  
  Use transaction WE02 or WE05 to display the IDoc.
  Navigate to the segment containing the EAN field (e.g., E1EDP01-EAN11).
  Verify if the EAN contains any non-numeric characters.
  
  
  
  Correct the Source Data:
  
  Inform the sending system or middleware to send only numeric EAN values.
  Ensure that the EAN field is properly formatted and validated before sending.
  
  
  
  Data Cleansing:
  
  If the source system cannot be changed immediately, implement a user-exit or BAdI to cleanse the EAN field during inbound processing.
  For example, remove spaces or non-numeric characters programmatically before validation.
  
  
  
  Check Customizing:
  
  Verify if any custom validation or conversion routines are applied to the EAN field.
  Adjust them if they incorrectly allow non-numeric characters.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After correction, reprocess the IDoc.
  Confirm that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  Field involved: Usually the EAN11 field in segments like E1EDP01 (Purchase Order Item), E1EDP19 (Delivery Item), etc.
  EAN/GTIN Format: Typically 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits numeric codes.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to WE220 for any specific patches or updates.
  Related Transactions: WE19 (Test tool for IDocs), WE02/WE05 (IDoc display), BD87 (IDoc reprocessing).
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WE220 - The EAN & is not numeric
  
  
  Cause
  EAN field contains non-numeric characters
  
  
  Solution
  Correct source data to send numeric EAN only; cleanse data if needed
  
  
  Check
  IDoc data in WE02/WE05; source system data
  
  
  Tools
  WE19, WE02, WE05, BD87
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with a specific IDoc or segment, please provide the segment name and sample data for more detailed guidance.