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Description

Error 478, ERR_SQL_UDF_RUNTIME, indicates a failure during the execution of a user-defined function (UDF) within SAP S/4HANA's underlying database. This typically occurs when a UDF encounters an issue that prevents it from completing its intended operation successfully, such as incorrect logic or invalid data.

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Error Message

ERR_SQL_UDF_RUNTIME

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Incorrect UDF Logic or Syntax

The user-defined function contains errors in its SQL logic, syntax, or internal calculations, leading to an unexpected termination during execution.

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Invalid or Mismatched Input Data

The UDF was called with parameters that are incorrect, have the wrong data type, or do not conform to the function's expected input structure.

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Database Resource Limitations

The system or database encountered insufficient memory, CPU, or other resources required to execute the user-defined function successfully.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Restart the affected application server and database instance easy

A simple restart can resolve transient issues with UDF execution.

1

Identify the SAP S/4HANA application server(s) hosting the problematic UDF. This can often be found by correlating the error message with specific transaction codes or background jobs.

2

Gracefully stop the SAP S/4HANA instance on the identified application server(s). This is typically done using the SAP Management Console (SMC) or the `stopsap` command.

stopsap

3

Verify that all SAP processes have terminated. You can check this using OS-level process monitoring tools.

4

Restart the database instance that S/4HANA is connected to. The method for this depends on your database (e.g., HANA Studio, `HDB start` command for SAP HANA).

HDB start

5

Start the SAP S/4HANA instance on the application server(s). This is typically done using the SAP Management Console (SMC) or the `startsap` command.

startsap

6

Re-run the process or transaction that triggered the UDF to see if the error is resolved.

2. Analyze and correct UDF code and dependencies advanced

Investigate the UDF's logic, syntax, and external dependencies for errors.

1

Identify the specific User-Defined Function (UDF) that is causing the error. This information is usually available in the SAP S/4HANA system logs (e.g., SM21, ST22, or specific application logs).

2

Access the UDF's definition within the SAP S/4HANA system. This might be through ABAP Workbench (SE80) if it's an ABAP UDF, or through the database tools if it's a SQL UDF (e.g., HANA Studio, SQL Console).

3

Review the UDF's code for syntax errors, logical flaws, or incorrect data type handling. Pay close attention to any external calls or dependencies (e.g., other functions, tables, external services).

4

If the UDF relies on specific database objects (tables, views, other functions), ensure they exist, are accessible, and have the correct structure and data. Use SQL queries to verify.

SELECT * FROM "<schema_name>"."<table_name>";

5

Check for any issues with the data being passed to the UDF. Incorrect input data can cause runtime failures.

6

If the UDF is written in ABAP, use ABAP debugging tools (e.g., /H in transaction code) to step through its execution and pinpoint the exact line of failure.

7

If the UDF is a SQL UDF (e.g., in SAP HANA), use database tracing or debugging tools to analyze its execution path and identify the error source.

8

Once the issue is identified, correct the UDF's code or its dependencies and re-deploy/activate it.

3. Check and update database user authorizations for UDF execution medium

Ensure the database user executing the UDF has the necessary permissions.

1

Identify the database user that the SAP S/4HANA system is using to connect and execute the UDF. This is often a technical user defined in the system's database connection settings.

2

Access the database administration tools (e.g., HANA Studio, SQL Console) to check the privileges of this database user.

3

Verify that the database user has the necessary execute privileges on the UDF itself. If the UDF is part of a schema, ensure the user has appropriate permissions on that schema.

GRANT EXECUTE ON "<schema_name>"."<udf_name>" TO "<database_user>";

4

If the UDF accesses other database objects (tables, views, procedures), ensure the database user has the required SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE privileges on those objects.

GRANT SELECT ON "<schema_name>"."<table_name>" TO "<database_user>";

5

If the UDF is calling other functions or procedures, ensure the user has EXECUTE privileges on those as well.

GRANT EXECUTE ON "<schema_name>"."<other_function_name>" TO "<database_user>";

6

Apply any missing privileges using the appropriate SQL DDL statements.

7

After updating authorizations, re-run the process that triggers the UDF.

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Related Errors

5 related errors

SAP S/4HANA Error 478: UDF Runtime Failure