How To Fix WS218 - No header data was transferred (internal error)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 218

• Message text: No header data was transferred (internal error)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS218 - No header data was transferred (internal error) ?

  The SAP error message WS218: No header data was transferred (internal error) typically occurs during IDoc processing or ALE/EDI communication. Here's a detailed explanation of the cause, solution, and related information:
  
  Cause
  
  
  Missing or incomplete IDoc control record (header):
  
  The error indicates that the IDoc control record (the header part of the IDoc) was not transferred or is missing during the processing of an IDoc. This can happen if the IDoc was not properly created, or if there was an internal error during the transfer or processing of the IDoc.
  
  
  Internal system error or inconsistency:
  
  Sometimes, this error can be caused by inconsistencies in the IDoc database tables (e.g., EDIDC, EDID4) or by a failure in the ALE/EDI interface layer.
  
  
  Transport or communication failure:
  
  If the IDoc is being transferred between systems (e.g., via ALE), a communication failure or incorrect partner profile configuration might cause the header data not to be sent or received properly.
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check IDoc status and data:
  
  Use transaction WE02 or WE05 to display the IDoc and verify if the control record (header) exists and is complete.
  If the control record is missing, the IDoc is incomplete and cannot be processed.
  
  
  
  Verify partner profiles and port configuration:
  
  Check partner profiles in WE20 to ensure the correct message type, process code, and port are assigned.
  Verify that the port used for IDoc transfer is correctly configured and active.
  
  
  
  Check ALE/EDI communication:
  
  If the IDoc is transferred between systems, check the ALE distribution model (BD64) and ensure the model is active and consistent.
  Use transaction SM58 to check for any tRFC errors related to IDoc transfer.
  Reprocess any failed tRFC calls.
  
  
  
  Recreate or reprocess the IDoc:
  
  If the IDoc is incomplete or corrupted, try to regenerate the IDoc from the application or reprocess the inbound IDoc if possible.
  
  
  
  Check for system notes or OSS messages:
  
  Search SAP Notes for WS218 or related IDoc errors for any known bugs or patches.
  Apply relevant SAP Notes if available.
  
  
  
  Debug or analyze the error:
  
  If the problem persists, debugging the IDoc processing function modules (e.g., IDOC_INBOUND_ASYNCHRONOUS) might help identify where the header data is lost.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  IDoc Control Record:
  
  The control record contains metadata about the IDoc such as sender, receiver, message type, IDoc type, and status. It is stored in table EDIDC.
  
  
  IDoc Data Records:
  
  The actual data segments of the IDoc are stored in EDID4 (for newer IDocs) or EDID (for older IDocs).
  
  
  Common Transactions:
  
  WE02 / WE05: Display IDocs
  WE20: Partner profiles
  BD64: ALE distribution model
  SM58: tRFC monitor
  WE19: Test tool for IDocs
  
  
  
  Typical scenarios causing WS218:
  
  IDoc creation failed partially.
  IDoc header lost during transfer.
  Incorrect or missing partner profile configuration.
  Transport or communication errors in ALE.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS218 No header data was transferred (internal error)
  
  
  Cause
  Missing or incomplete IDoc control record; internal system or communication failure
  
  
  Solution
  Check IDoc in WE02/WE05; verify partner profiles (WE20); check ALE model (BD64); reprocess or regenerate IDoc; check tRFC errors (SM58); apply SAP Notes
  
  
  Related Info
  IDoc control record in EDIDC; data records in EDID4; common transactions WE02, WE20, BD64, SM58
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., when the error occurs, inbound or outbound IDoc, system landscape), I can help with more specific troubleshooting steps.