How To Fix WER271 - Item field with id &1 is not a data element

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WER - Messages for the package WER

• Message number: 271

• Message text: Item field with id &1 is not a data element

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WER271 - Item field with id &1 is not a data element ?

  The SAP error message:
  WER271: Item field with id &1 is not a data element
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when a field (item field) in a message or a data dictionary object is expected to be a data element, but the system finds that the field is not defined as a data element. In SAP ABAP Dictionary, fields in structures, tables, or messages are typically defined using data elements to ensure semantic consistency and reuse of domain definitions.
  In other words, the field identified by &1 (the placeholder replaced by the actual field name at runtime) is not linked to a data element but might be a direct elementary type or some other object type, which is not allowed in the context where the system expects a data element.
  
  When does this happen?
  
  When defining message types in ALE/IDoc processing, the segments or fields must be linked to data elements.
  When creating or modifying structures or tables where the system expects fields to be defined via data elements.
  When generating or processing messages or interfaces that require fields to be data elements for consistency and metadata purposes.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the field definition:
  
  Go to the ABAP Dictionary (transaction SE11).
  Enter the structure or table containing the field.
  Check the field &1 and verify if it is assigned a data element.
  
  
  
  Assign a data element:
  
  If the field is defined as a direct elementary type (e.g., C for character, I for integer) without a data element, change it to use a proper data element.
  You can create a new data element if necessary (transaction SE11 ? Data Element ? Create).
  Assign the data element to the field.
  
  
  
  Adjust the message or interface definition:
  
  If this error occurs during message type or IDoc segment definition, ensure that all fields in the segments are linked to data elements.
  Modify the segment or message type accordingly.
  
  
  
  Regenerate or activate objects:
  
  After correcting the field definitions, activate the objects.
  Regenerate the message or interface if necessary.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  Data Element: A data element in SAP defines the semantic meaning of a field, including its data type, length, and associated domain (value range). It is a reusable object in the ABAP Dictionary.
  Domain: Defines technical attributes like data type and length.
  Elementary Type: A direct data type without semantic meaning, e.g., C (character), I (integer), etc.
  SAP requires fields in messages and interfaces to be defined by data elements to maintain consistency and enable proper metadata handling.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WER271: Item field with id &1 is not a data element
  
  
  Cause
  Field is not assigned a data element but is expected to be one
  
  
  Solution
  Assign a proper data element to the field in ABAP Dictionary and activate the object
  
  
  Context
  Occurs in message types, IDoc segments, structures, or tables requiring data element fields
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact field name or context (e.g., message type, IDoc segment), I can help you with more specific steps.