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How To Fix WZ097 - Specify an expression for date and time


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

  • Message number: 097

  • Message text: Specify an expression for date and time

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WZ097 - Specify an expression for date and time ?

    SAP Error Message:
    WZ097 - Specify an expression for date and time


    Cause:

    This warning message appears when a date and/or time field in a selection screen or a report is left empty or not properly specified, and the system expects an expression or value for that field. Typically, this happens in ABAP programs or SAP standard transactions where date/time parameters are mandatory or where the logic requires a valid date/time expression to proceed.


    Explanation:

    • The system requires a valid date/time expression to perform operations such as filtering data, scheduling, or calculations.
    • If the user or program does not provide this, the system issues the warning WZ097 to prompt for a correct input.
    • This message is often triggered in selection screens where date/time fields are used as input parameters.

    Solution:

    1. User Action:

      • Enter a valid date and/or time expression in the required field(s).
      • The expression can be a specific date/time, a range, or a relative date (e.g., SY-DATUM for current date).
      • Ensure the format matches the expected input (e.g., DD.MM.YYYY for dates).
    2. Developer Action (if customizing or programming):

      • Check the selection screen parameters or variables related to date/time.
      • Ensure that the program logic validates the input and prompts the user if the field is empty.
      • Provide default values if appropriate, e.g., current date/time.
      • Use proper data types (DATS for date, TIMS for time) and initialize them correctly.
      • Example code snippet to check and prompt:
        IF p_date IS INITIAL.
          MESSAGE w097(zmsg) WITH 'Specify an expression for date and time'.
        ENDIF.
      • Review the message class WZ or ZMSG (custom) to understand the context.

    Related Information:

    • Message Class: WZ (or custom message class depending on implementation)
    • Message Number: 097
    • Message Type: Warning (W)
    • Common Contexts:
      • Selection screens with date/time parameters.
      • Reports or programs requiring date/time filters.
      • Scheduling or batch jobs needing date/time expressions.
    • SAP Notes: Check SAP OSS notes if this message appears unexpectedly in standard transactions.
    • Transaction SE91: To view or edit the message text and details.
    • Date/Time Fields in ABAP:
      • DATS type for date fields.
      • TIMS type for time fields.
      • Use system fields like SY-DATUM (current date) and SY-UZEIT (current time) for defaults.

    Summary:

    The SAP warning message WZ097 indicates that a date/time expression is missing where it is required. The solution is to provide a valid date/time input or ensure the program logic handles missing values appropriately. This helps avoid errors in data processing or report generation that depend on date/time parameters.

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