How To Fix WS261 - Field &1 (&2) cannot be copied because it is not ready for input

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 261

• Message text: Field &1 (&2) cannot be copied because it is not ready for input

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS261 - Field &1 (&2) cannot be copied because it is not ready for input ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WS261 Field &1 (&2) cannot be copied because it is not ready for input
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This error occurs when a program or screen flow logic tries to copy data into a screen field that is not ready for input (i.e., the field is either display-only, disabled, or hidden on the screen at runtime). In SAP Dynpro programming, fields that are not ready for input cannot be modified by the program using MOVE or COPY statements because the screen attributes prevent user input or programmatic changes.
  
  &1 = Field name (e.g., MATNR)
  &2 = Screen field label or technical name
  
  The error typically arises during screen processing (PBO/PAI) or when using function modules or standard SAP transactions that try to update screen fields that are currently not input-enabled.
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  The screen field is set as output only or display in the screen painter.
  The field is hidden or disabled dynamically via LOOP AT SCREEN and SCREEN-INPUT = 0.
  The program tries to copy data into a field before it is made ready for input.
  The screen flow logic or module tries to update a field that is not part of the current screen or is inactive.
  
  
  How to Identify:
  
  Check the screen attributes of the field in the Screen Painter (transaction SE51).
  Check the flow logic or ABAP code where the field is being updated.
  Look for dynamic changes to the screen fields in the PBO module (e.g., LOOP AT SCREEN statements).
  Debug the program to see at what point the field is being updated and what its SCREEN-INPUT attribute is.
  
  
  Solution / How to Fix:
  
  Make the field ready for input before copying data:
  
  In the PBO module, ensure that the field's SCREEN-INPUT attribute is set to 1 (ready for input) before the program tries to copy data into it.
  LOOP AT SCREEN.
  IF SCREEN-NAME = 'FIELD_NAME'.
    SCREEN-INPUT = 1.
    MODIFY SCREEN.
  ENDIF.
  ENDLOOP.
  
  
  
  Check screen attributes:
  
  In the Screen Painter, verify that the field is not set as output-only or display-only if you want to update it programmatically.
  
  
  Adjust program logic:
  
  Only copy data into fields that are input-enabled.
  If the field should remain display-only, update the underlying data structure instead of the screen field.
  
  
  Use proper screen flow logic:
  
  Update the field in the PBO module after setting it ready for input.
  
  
  If the field is hidden or disabled intentionally:
  
  Avoid copying data into it or temporarily enable it before copying.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  This error is related to the screen programming concept in SAP Dynpro.
  The SCREEN structure controls the attributes of screen fields at runtime.
  The SCREEN-INPUT attribute controls whether a field is ready for input (1) or not (0).
  The error message is a safeguard to prevent inconsistent screen behavior.
  
  
  References:
  
  SAP Note: Check for notes related to WS261 in SAP Service Marketplace.
  SAP Help Portal: Dynpro programming and screen attributes.
  ABAP documentation on LOOP AT SCREEN and screen field attributes.
  
  
  If you provide the specific program or screen context, I can help you with a more tailored solution!