How To Fix WGDS_COMMON008 - The timestamp format is invalid (see data element TIMESTAMP)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WGDS_COMMON - WGDS Common messages

• Message number: 008

• Message text: The timestamp format is invalid (see data element TIMESTAMP)

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WGDS_COMMON008 - The timestamp format is invalid (see data element TIMESTAMP) ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WGDS_COMMON008 – The timestamp format is invalid (see data element TIMESTAMP)
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when a timestamp value being processed or entered does not conform to the expected format defined by the SAP data element TIMESTAMP. The TIMESTAMP data element in SAP typically expects a specific format, usually a 14-character string representing date and time in the format:
  YYYYMMDDHHMMSS
  
  YYYY = Year (4 digits)  
  MM = Month (2 digits)  
  DD = Day (2 digits)  
  HH = Hour (2 digits, 24-hour format)  
  MM = Minutes (2 digits)  
  SS = Seconds (2 digits)
  
  If the timestamp string is shorter, longer, contains invalid characters, or the date/time values are out of range, SAP raises this error.
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  Data migration or interface programs passing timestamps in incorrect formats.  
  User input or custom code generating timestamps incorrectly.  
  Integration with external systems where timestamp formats differ.  
  Incorrect conversion or formatting in ABAP programs or BAPIs.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Timestamp Format:
  
  Verify that the timestamp string strictly follows the YYYYMMDDHHMMSS format without any separators (no dashes, colons, or spaces).
  
  
  Validate the Timestamp Values:
  
  Ensure that the date and time components are valid:
  
  Month between 01 and 12  
  Day valid for the given month and year  
  Hours between 00 and 23  
  Minutes and seconds between 00 and 59
  
  
  
  Adjust the Source Data or Code:  
  
  If the timestamp is coming from an external system, adjust the interface or conversion logic to produce the correct format.  
  In ABAP, use standard function modules or classes to format timestamps correctly, e.g., CONVERT DATE TIME or CL_ABAP_TSTMP methods.  
  Avoid manual string concatenation without validation.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Standard Data Element TIMESTAMP:
  
  When defining variables or parameters, use the SAP standard data element TIMESTAMP to ensure consistent format and validation.
  
  
  Debug and Trace:
  
  If the error occurs during runtime, debug the program to check the exact value of the timestamp variable causing the error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Data Element TIMESTAMP:  
  
  Domain: TIMS (Time Stamp)  
  Type: CHAR(14)  
  Format: YYYYMMDDHHMMSS  
  Used widely in SAP for date/time stamps in logs, change documents, interfaces.
  
  
  
  Function Modules / Classes for Timestamp Handling:  
  
  CONVERT DATE TIME  
  CL_ABAP_TSTMP (methods like GET_CURRENT_TIMESTAMP)  
  SYST-UZEIT and SYST-DATUM for current time and date
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to WGDS_COMMON008 or timestamp format issues if the problem persists after format correction.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WGDS_COMMON008 is caused by an invalid timestamp format that does not match the expected YYYYMMDDHHMMSS pattern defined by the SAP data element TIMESTAMP. Correct the timestamp format and validate the values to resolve the issue. Use SAP standard tools and data elements to handle timestamps properly.