Error
Error Code:
718
SAP S/4HANA Error 718: Row Not Found for Update
Description
This error indicates that an attempted database update operation failed because the specified record or row could not be found in the target table. It typically occurs when the unique identifier used to locate the row does not correspond to an existing entry in SAP S/4HANA.
Error Message
ERR_SQL_CANNOT_UPDATE_NOT_EXISTING_ROW
Known Causes
3 known causesData Inconsistency
The record intended for an update may have been deleted by another user or process after it was initially retrieved, or it never existed in the database.
Incorrect Identifier
The primary key or unique identifier supplied in the update request does not match any existing row in the specified database table.
Concurrent Deletion
Another transaction or user concurrently deleted the target database row from the system just before your update operation could be executed.
Solutions
4 solutions available1. Verify Record Existence Before Update easy
Ensure the record exists in the table before attempting to update it.
1
Identify the table and primary key(s) involved in the update operation that is failing with Error 718.
2
Before executing the UPDATE statement, run a SELECT statement to verify if a record with the specified key(s) exists.
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM <your_table_name> WHERE <primary_key_column> = <value>;3
If the SELECT statement returns 0, the record does not exist. Investigate why the record is missing. This might involve checking upstream processes, data loading, or other application logic.
4
If the record exists, proceed with the update. If it doesn't, the application logic needs to be corrected to either create the record first or handle the 'not found' scenario gracefully.
2. Analyze Application Logic for Race Conditions or Data Inconsistency medium
Investigate potential race conditions or data inconsistencies in the application code that might lead to a record being deleted or modified between the time it's read and the time it's updated.
1
Review the application code that performs the update operation. Look for scenarios where the same record might be accessed by multiple processes or threads concurrently.
2
Identify if there are any explicit DELETE operations or other logic that could remove the target record before the UPDATE statement is executed. This is particularly relevant in custom ABAP programs or interfaces.
3
Examine the transaction boundaries. Ensure that operations are properly committed or rolled back to maintain data integrity. A commit occurring too early in a complex process could lead to this error.
4
If a race condition is suspected, consider implementing appropriate locking mechanisms within the application code to prevent concurrent modifications of the same record.
3. Check SAP System Logs for Related Errors medium
Examine SAP system logs, particularly the application log, to find preceding errors that might have caused the record to be deleted or become unavailable.
1
Access the SAP system and navigate to transaction `SM21` (System Log).
2
Filter the system log by the relevant time frame when the Error 718 occurred. Also, filter by the user who encountered the error and potentially the program name if known.
3
Look for any errors or warnings that occurred immediately before Error 718. These might indicate data corruption, failed transactions, or other issues that could have led to the record's absence.
4
If related errors are found, investigate them further using relevant SAP notes or by consulting with SAP functional consultants to understand their impact on the data.
4. Replicate and Debug in a Test Environment advanced
Reproduce the error in a non-production environment to systematically debug the root cause.
1
Identify the specific business process or transaction that triggers Error 718.
2
In a test or development SAP S/4HANA system, attempt to replicate the exact steps that lead to the error. Ensure the test data closely mirrors the production scenario.
3
Use SAP debugging tools (e.g., ` /h ` in the transaction code, or within ABAP Workbench `SE80`) to step through the application logic when the error occurs.
4
During debugging, pay close attention to the values of key fields, the execution path of the code, and any database operations being performed. This will help pinpoint where the record is expected but not found.
5
If the issue is related to a specific SAP standard transaction, consult SAP Notes for known issues or contact SAP Support.