Error
Error Code:
5199
SAP S/4HANA Error 5199: Unicode Conversion Failure
Description
This error indicates that SAP S/4HANA encountered an issue while attempting to convert character data from a Unicode format to a different, non-Unicode encoding. This typically happens during data processing, such as importing files, integrating with external systems, or database interactions where character sets are not consistently managed.
Error Message
ERR_TEXT_COMMON_CONV_FROM_UNI_FAILED
Known Causes
3 known causesCharacter Set Mismatch
The source data contains characters (e.g., special symbols, foreign language characters) that are not supported by the target character set or codepage during conversion.
Incorrect Encoding Configuration
The system or interface configuration specifies an incorrect target character encoding that cannot properly interpret or store the incoming Unicode data.
Corrupt or Invalid Data
The input data stream or file contains malformed Unicode sequences or invalid characters that prevent a successful conversion to the target format.
Solutions
4 solutions available1. Verify Source System Character Set and Data Consistency medium
Ensures the source system's character set is compatible and data is clean before migration.
1
Identify the character set used in the source SAP system (e.g., SAP GUI -> System -> Status -> SAP System data -> Code Page).
2
Verify that the target S/4HANA system is configured for the correct Unicode code page (typically UTF-8). This is usually set during the S/4HANA installation or upgrade. Consult SAP Notes for recommended code pages for your S/4HANA version.
3
Run SAP programs like `RSUPRC_CHECK_CONV_DATA` or similar data consistency checks in the source system to identify any non-Unicode characters or data corruption that might cause conversion failures. Address any issues found.
4
If migrating from a non-Unicode to Unicode system, ensure that the migration strategy explicitly handles character set conversion for all relevant data objects. This might involve using specific SAP tools or custom ABAP programs.
2. Review and Correct Specific Data Entries advanced
Pinpoints and rectifies problematic data entries that trigger the conversion error.
1
Examine the detailed error logs generated during the S/4HANA conversion or migration process. These logs often provide specific table names and even row identifiers where the conversion failure occurred.
2
Using the information from the logs, access the problematic table in the source system (or the staging area if applicable) and inspect the records around the reported failure point. Look for unusual characters, control characters, or data that doesn't conform to expected encoding.
3
Manually correct or remove the offending data entries. This might involve sanitizing text fields, replacing invalid characters with their Unicode equivalents, or deciding to omit problematic records if they are not critical.
4
Re-run the conversion or migration process after making the data corrections. It may be necessary to perform a delta conversion or migration to only process the affected data.
3. Update SAP Kernel and Support Packages medium
Ensures that the underlying SAP software components are up-to-date and include fixes for conversion issues.
1
Check the SAP Support Portal (SAP ONE Support Launchpad) for the latest SAP Kernel patches and Support Packages relevant to your S/4HANA version. Pay close attention to notes related to data conversion or Unicode issues.
2
Plan and schedule the update of the SAP Kernel and relevant Support Packages. This usually involves downtime for the SAP system.
3
Perform the kernel and Support Package updates following SAP's official procedures and documentation. This typically involves replacing kernel files and importing Support Packages via transaction `SPAM`/`SAINT` or SUM (Software Update Manager).
4
After the updates are applied, re-attempt the Unicode conversion or migration process.
4. Utilize SUM (Software Update Manager) for Conversion Issues advanced
Leverages SAP's primary tool for system conversions, which includes robust error handling for Unicode conversion.
1
Ensure you are using the latest version of SUM appropriate for your S/4HANA conversion project. Download it from the SAP Support Portal.
2
Configure SUM for your S/4HANA conversion, including specifying the source and target systems, database connection details, and any relevant parameters. Pay close attention to the Unicode conversion setup within SUM.
3
During the SUM execution, if the Unicode conversion phase fails, SUM will typically provide detailed logs. Analyze these logs to identify the root cause. SUM often has built-in mechanisms to retry specific steps or to allow for manual intervention.
4
Consult SAP Notes specific to SUM and Unicode conversion errors. SUM might offer specific options or pre-conversion checks to address common Unicode conversion issues. Follow the guidance provided in the SUM logs and SAP Notes to resolve the error and resume the conversion.