How To Fix WS677 - Mandate reference &1 is invalid; enter a valid mandate reference

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 677

• Message text: Mandate reference &1 is invalid; enter a valid mandate reference

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS677 - Mandate reference &1 is invalid; enter a valid mandate reference ?

  The SAP error message:
  WS677 Mandate reference &1 is invalid; enter a valid mandate reference
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in the context of SEPA Direct Debit processing or other payment transactions involving mandates. The mandate reference entered in the system is either:
  
  Not existing in the system,
  Incorrectly formatted,
  Or does not comply with the validation rules set for mandate references.
  
  Mandate references are unique identifiers for direct debit mandates given by customers to authorize debit transactions. SAP validates these references against stored mandate data or format rules during payment processing.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Mandate Reference:
  
  Verify that the mandate reference entered matches exactly the one provided by the customer.
  Ensure there are no typos, extra spaces, or invalid characters.
  
  
  
  Validate Mandate Master Data:
  
  Go to the mandate master data (transaction F110 or FPAYH depending on your SAP version and configuration).
  Confirm that the mandate reference exists and is active.
  If the mandate is missing, create or update the mandate master data with the correct reference.
  
  
  
  Check Format and Length:
  
  Mandate references must comply with SEPA rules (usually max 35 characters, alphanumeric).
  Ensure the mandate reference adheres to these rules.
  
  
  
  Update or Re-enter Mandate Reference:
  
  If the mandate reference is outdated or incorrect, request the correct mandate reference from the customer.
  Update the mandate reference in the system accordingly.
  
  
  
  System Configuration:
  
  Check if there are any custom validations or user exits that might be rejecting the mandate reference.
  Review the configuration in the payment program or direct debit setup.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Mandate Reference: A unique identifier assigned by the creditor to a direct debit mandate.
  SEPA Direct Debit: A payment scheme used in the Eurozone for direct debit transactions.
  SAP Transactions:
  
  F110 - Automatic Payment Transactions
  FPAYH - Payment Header (Mandate data)
  FPAYM - Payment Medium Workbench (for SEPA payments)
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to SEPA mandate processing for any known issues or patches.
  Validation Rules: Mandate references must be unique per creditor and customer combination.
  
  
  If the problem persists after verifying the above, consider debugging the payment program or consulting SAP support with details of the mandate reference and payment run.