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Description

Error 303, 'ERR_SQL_INV_DATETIME_VAL', occurs when SAP S/4HANA receives a date or datetime value that is not in a valid or recognized format for a SQL operation. This typically happens during data entry, system integrations, or custom application interactions with the database, preventing the successful processing of date-related information.

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Error Message

ERR_SQL_INV_DATETIME_VAL: Invalid DATE

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Incorrect Date Format

The date or datetime value provided does not match the expected format for the specific SAP S/4HANA database field or system locale.

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Non-Existent Date

The date value is syntactically correct but represents a date that does not exist on the calendar (e.g., February 30th, September 31st).

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Data Type Mismatch

A non-date value (e.g., text, number) is being passed to a database field or parameter that is explicitly expecting a date or datetime type.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Correct Input Data Format easy

Ensure all date inputs adhere to the expected 'YYYY-MM-DD' format.

1

When entering or uploading data that includes dates, verify that the date is in the standard ISO 8601 format: YYYY-MM-DD. This is the most common and expected format for SAP S/4HANA.

YYYY-MM-DD

2

If you are using a tool to import data (e.g., SAP Data Services, custom ABAP programs, or even manual entry in certain screens), ensure the date fields are correctly mapped and formatted before the import process begins. For example, if a source system uses 'MM/DD/YYYY', it must be transformed to 'YYYY-MM-DD' before being sent to S/4HANA.

Example of incorrect format: 12/25/2023
Example of correct format: 2023-12-25

2. Review and Correct Application Logic medium

Identify and fix ABAP code or custom logic that generates invalid date strings.

1

Analyze the ABAP code or any custom logic that interacts with date fields in SAP S/4HANA. This is particularly important if the error occurs during a specific transaction, report execution, or data load.

Example ABAP snippet to check:

DATA lv_date_string TYPE string VALUE '25/12/2023'.
DATA lv_date TYPE d.

TRY.
    CONVERT_STRING_TO_DATE( iv_string = lv_date_string iv_format = 'DD.MM.YYYY' )
    IMPORTING ev_date = lv_date.
  CATCH cx_sy_conversion_no_date.
    " Handle error: Invalid date format
ENDTRY.

" Ensure the conversion format matches the input string.
" For S/4HANA, often it's safer to use the system's default date type 'D' or 'DATS' and let SAP handle formatting during display or storage.

2

Use debugging tools (e.g., ABAP Debugger) to trace the execution flow and inspect the value of date variables just before they are used in database operations or passed to SAP functions. Look for any explicit string manipulations that might be creating incorrect date formats.

Set breakpoints in your ABAP code where date variables are declared or manipulated. Use the debugger to inspect their values.

3

If you are using SAP's standard date types (like `D` or `DATS`), ensure that when converting from external formats (e.g., user input, files), you use the correct conversion routines or functions that handle format validation. The `CONVERT_STRING_TO_DATE` function module is a good example, but ensure the `iv_format` parameter is correctly set.

Refer to SAP's official documentation for date conversion routines and best practices for handling date formats in ABAP.

3. Verify Database Configuration and Settings medium

Check the database's date/time settings and SAP S/4HANA system parameters.

1

While SAP S/4HANA typically enforces its own date formats, it's good practice to ensure the underlying database (e.g., SAP HANA) is configured to handle date and time data correctly. For SAP HANA, this usually involves ensuring the correct locale settings are in place, though direct manipulation of date formats at the database level is less common for application data.

Use SQL to check database settings (example for HANA): 
SELECT * FROM SYS.PARAMETERS WHERE KEY = 'locale';
Ensure the locale is set appropriately, though this is usually managed by SAP Basis.

2

In SAP S/4HANA, system-wide date formats can be influenced by user profiles and client settings. While the error `ERR_SQL_INV_DATETIME_VAL` points to a data integrity issue, reviewing these settings can sometimes reveal underlying inconsistencies.

Transaction `SU01` (User Maintenance) -> Select a user -> 'Defaults' tab. Check the 'Date format' field. While this primarily affects display, it can sometimes indirectly impact input expectations if applications rely on it heavily.

3

For specific scenarios involving external interfaces or middleware, ensure that the data transformation layers are correctly configured to send dates in the expected SAP S/4HANA format. This might involve checking configurations in SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) or other integration tools.

Consult the documentation for your specific integration tools for date format handling.

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Related Errors

5 related errors

SAP S/4HANA Error 303: Invalid Date Format