Error

Error Code: 264

SAP S/4HANA Error 264: Invalid SQL Data Type

📦 SAP S/4HANA

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Description

Error 264, ERR_SQL_INV_DATATYPE, indicates that an operation attempted to use a data type incompatible with what the SAP S/4HANA database or application expects. This typically occurs when executing SQL queries, processing data, or integrating with external systems where data type definitions do not align.

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Error Message

ERR_SQL_INV_DATATYPE

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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SQL Query Data Type Mismatch

An executed SQL statement attempts to insert, update, or compare data using a data type that does not match the target column's defined type in the database.

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Data Integration Mapping Error

During data migration, interface operations, or data loading, the source data type is incorrectly mapped to a different target data type in S/4HANA.

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Invalid User Input Format

User-provided input for a field does not conform to the expected data type, such as entering text into a numeric-only field, leading to a database error.

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Custom Code Definition Discrepancy

Custom ABAP programs or extensions contain data type definitions that conflict with the underlying database table structures or standard SAP data elements.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Identify and Correct Mismatched Data Types in ABAP to HANA SQL medium

Resolves data type inconsistencies between ABAP data elements and HANA SQL types.

Analyze the ABAP program or CDS view that is triggering the error. Identify the specific table and column involved in the failing SQL statement.

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Examine the data type definition of the corresponding field in the ABAP Dictionary (SE11). Note the ABAP data type and length.

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Examine the data type definition of the corresponding column in the SAP HANA database. This can be done via SAP HANA Studio or by querying system views.

SELECT COLUMN_NAME, DATA_TYPE, LENGTH, SCALE FROM M_CS_COLUMNS WHERE TABLE_NAME = '<HANA_TABLE_NAME>' AND COLUMN_NAME = '<HANA_COLUMN_NAME>';

Compare the ABAP data type and length with the HANA data type and length. Common issues include string length mismatches (e.g., ABAP CHAR(10) vs. HANA VARCHAR(5)), numeric precision/scale issues, or incorrect date/time type mappings.

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If a mismatch is found, the ABAP Dictionary definition needs to be adjusted to align with the intended HANA data type, or the HANA table definition might need modification if it was created incorrectly. For CDS views, adjust the annotations or the underlying data source definitions.

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For CDS views, ensure the correct HANA data type is specified using annotations if necessary. For example, using `@hdb.data.type: 'VARCHAR(255)'`.

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Reactivate the ABAP objects (programs, function modules, CDS views) and clear relevant caches (e.g., program buffer, shared memory).

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2. Validate Data Type Mappings for Custom Table Extensions medium

Ensures correct data types are used when extending standard SAP tables with custom fields in HANA.

If you have extended a standard SAP table with custom fields directly in the HANA database (e.g., using SQL DDL), verify that the data types used for these custom fields are compatible with the data types of the standard fields and the overall system requirements.

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Use SAP HANA Studio or SQL to inspect the data types of your custom columns in the extended table.

SELECT COLUMN_NAME, DATA_TYPE, LENGTH, SCALE FROM M_CS_COLUMNS WHERE TABLE_NAME = '<YOUR_EXTENDED_TABLE_NAME>' AND COLUMN_NAME LIKE 'ZZ%';

Compare these with the corresponding data types in the original SAP table (if applicable) or with standard SAP data type best practices. For example, avoid using NVARCHAR for fields that are intended to be pure ASCII strings.

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If inconsistencies are found, modify the data types of the custom columns using `ALTER TABLE` statements in HANA SQL.

ALTER TABLE <YOUR_EXTENDED_TABLE_NAME> ALTER (COLUMN_NAME <NEW_DATA_TYPE>);

Ensure that any ABAP code or CDS views interacting with these extended fields correctly interpret the HANA data types.

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3. Address Data Type Issues in Interface Implementations (e.g., RFC, OData) advanced

Fixes data type mismatches occurring during data exchange between S/4HANA and external systems or components.

Identify the interface (e.g., RFC function module, OData service) that is causing the 'Invalid SQL Data Type' error. This error might manifest during data serialization/deserialization or during the actual database interaction on the HANA side.

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Examine the data structures (e.g., ABAP structures, RFC structures, OData entity types) used by the interface. Pay close attention to the data types of fields that are mapped to database columns.

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If the interface is an RFC, use transaction `SE37` to check the parameter types of the function module. If it's an OData service, check the metadata definitions and the corresponding ABAP data models.

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Ensure that the data types defined in the interface structures have a direct and compatible mapping to SAP HANA SQL data types. Some ABAP types might not have a straightforward one-to-one mapping and require specific handling or conversion.

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In cases where direct mapping is problematic, implement explicit data type conversions within the ABAP code of the interface implementation before sending data to or receiving data from HANA.

DATA lv_hana_string TYPE string.
DATA lv_abap_char TYPE char10.

lv_abap_char = 'Some Text'.
" Explicit conversion if needed for HANA type compatibility
CALL FUNCTION 'CONVERT_STRING_TO_HEX'
  EXPORTING
    input  = lv_abap_char
  IMPORTING
    output = lv_hana_string.

" Use lv_hana_string in your HANA SQL statement.

For OData services, ensure that the EDM (Entity Data Model) types in the service metadata correctly reflect the underlying HANA data types. Adjust the service implementation or the data models as needed.

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Thoroughly test the interface with various data scenarios to confirm that data type issues are resolved.

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