How To Fix WE235 - Check digit cannot be determined for EAN & since EAN alphanumeric

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 235

• Message text: Check digit cannot be determined for EAN & since EAN alphanumeric

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE235 - Check digit cannot be determined for EAN & since EAN alphanumeric ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WE235 - Check digit cannot be determined for EAN & since EAN alphanumeric
  
  Cause:
  The error WE235 occurs during IDoc processing (typically inbound or outbound) when the system tries to calculate or validate the check digit of an EAN (European Article Number) but fails because the EAN contains alphanumeric characters instead of only numeric digits.
  EANs (barcodes) are expected to be numeric strings (usually 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits) where the last digit is a check digit calculated from the preceding digits. If the EAN contains letters or other non-numeric characters, the standard check digit calculation logic cannot be applied, resulting in this error.
  
  Explanation:
  
  The EAN field is expected to be numeric.
  The check digit calculation algorithm only works on numeric digits.
  If the EAN contains letters (A-Z) or other non-numeric characters, the system cannot calculate or verify the check digit.
  This often happens if the data source incorrectly sends alphanumeric EANs or if the field is used for other identifiers that are not strictly numeric.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Data Correction:
  
  Verify the source data for the EAN field.
  Ensure that the EAN contains only numeric digits.
  If the EAN is alphanumeric by design (e.g., GTINs or other identifiers that include letters), this is not a valid EAN and should not be processed as such.
  
  
  
  Mapping/Conversion:
  
  If the source system sends alphanumeric codes in the EAN field, adjust the mapping or conversion logic to either:
  
  Remove or replace non-numeric characters.
  Use a different field for alphanumeric identifiers.
  Skip check digit validation for such cases (if business process allows).
  
  
  
  
  
  Customizing/Enhancement:
  
  If alphanumeric EANs are business-relevant and must be processed, consider:
  
  Enhancing the IDoc processing logic to bypass check digit validation for such cases.
  Using a custom field or segment to carry alphanumeric identifiers.
  Adjusting validation logic in user exits or BAdIs.
  
  
  
  
  
  Master Data Review:
  
  Check the material master or vendor/customer master data where EANs are maintained.
  Correct any invalid EAN entries.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction / Program:
  
  The error typically occurs during IDoc inbound processing (e.g., message type MATMAS, ORDERS, etc.) or outbound processing where EANs are handled.
  
  
  Field involved:
  
  EAN (usually MATNR or EAN/GTIN fields in segments like E1MARAM, E1MARAM, E1EDP01, etc.)
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WE235 for any specific patches or updates.
  
  
  Check Digit Calculation:
  
  The check digit for EAN is calculated using a standard algorithm (modulus 10) on numeric digits only.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  EAN contains alphanumeric characters; check digit calculation requires numeric digits only.
  
  
  Effect
  System cannot calculate or validate the check digit, resulting in error WE235.
  
  
  Solution
  Correct EAN data to numeric only, adjust mapping, or customize logic to handle alphanumeric.
  
  
  Related Info
  Occurs in IDoc processing; check master data and source system data quality.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help identifying where the invalid EAN is coming from or how to adjust the IDoc processing, please provide details about the IDoc type and segment involved.