How To Fix WS262 - Error occurred during transfer of header fields (see log)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 262

• Message text: Error occurred during transfer of header fields (see log)

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS262 - Error occurred during transfer of header fields (see log) ?

  The SAP error message WS262: "Error occurred during transfer of header fields (see log)" typically occurs during the processing of IDocs (Intermediate Documents), especially when transferring or posting data related to document headers in modules like SD (Sales and Distribution), MM (Materials Management), or FI (Financial Accounting).
  
  Cause
  
  Data Inconsistency or Missing Data: The error usually indicates that some mandatory header fields in the IDoc are missing, incorrect, or inconsistent.
  Incorrect or Incomplete Configuration: The system might not be properly configured to handle certain header data fields.
  Mapping or Conversion Errors: During the transfer or mapping of data from the IDoc to the SAP application document, some fields may fail validation or conversion.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user or process posting the document lacks the necessary authorizations.
  Custom Enhancements or User Exits: Custom code in user exits or BADIs that process header data might cause errors if not handled properly.
  Technical Issues: Transport or communication errors during IDoc processing.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the IDoc Status and Logs:
  
  Use transaction WE02 or WE05 to display the IDoc.
  Look at the status records and the error log to get detailed information about which header fields caused the error.
  
  
  
  Analyze the Error Log:
  
  The message suggests "see log" — check the application log via transaction SLG1 or the detailed error message in the IDoc status.
  Identify the exact field or validation that failed.
  
  
  
  Verify Mandatory Fields:
  
  Ensure all mandatory header fields required by the business process and SAP standard are correctly filled.
  For example, in sales orders, fields like document type, sales organization, distribution channel, etc., must be present.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Verify the configuration in IMG related to the document type or process.
  For example, in SD, check sales document types and their settings.
  
  
  
  Review Custom Code:
  
  If user exits, BADIs, or enhancements are implemented, debug or review them to ensure they handle header fields correctly.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Confirm that the user or background job processing the IDoc has the necessary authorizations.
  
  
  
  Reprocess the IDoc:
  
  After corrections, reprocess the IDoc using BD87 or manually trigger the posting.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WS262 for your specific module and SAP version.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  WE02 / WE05: Display IDocs and their status.
  BD87: Reprocess IDocs.
  SLG1: Application log.
  SM58: Check for any update or RFC errors.
  
  
  
  Common Modules Affected:
  
  SD (Sales Orders, Deliveries)
  MM (Purchase Orders)
  FI (Accounting Documents)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and KBAs:
  
  Check SAP Notes for your SAP version with keywords like "WS262", "header fields transfer error", or related to the specific IDoc type.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific IDoc type or module context, I can help you with more targeted troubleshooting steps.