Error
Error Code:
5735
SAP S/4HANA Error 5735: Invalid Data Masking Expression
Description
This error indicates that a configured data masking expression within SAP S/4HANA contains invalid syntax or refers to non-existent elements. It typically occurs when activating or applying data masking rules, preventing the system from correctly processing the masking logic.
Error Message
ERR_MASKING_INVALID_MASK_EXPRESSION
Known Causes
4 known causesIncorrect Syntax in Masking Rule
The data masking expression contains syntax errors, missing characters, or incorrect operators, preventing proper parsing by the system.
Invalid Field or Column Reference
The masking expression attempts to reference a field or column that does not exist or is misspelled in the target data structure.
Mismatch in Data Type or Length
The masking function or expression is incompatible with the data type or expected length of the field it's trying to mask.
Missing Configuration Parameters
Essential parameters required by the masking function are either missing or have incorrect values, leading to an incomplete or invalid expression.
Solutions
4 solutions available1. Validate Data Masking Rule Syntax easy
Correct any syntax errors in the data masking rule definition.
1
Identify the specific data masking rule that is causing the error. This is often found in the error logs or the application configuration where the masking rule is defined.
2
Carefully review the syntax of the masking rule. Common issues include incorrect function names, missing or misplaced delimiters (like parentheses, quotes, or commas), and invalid special characters.
3
Refer to the SAP S/4HANA documentation for valid data masking functions and their expected syntax. For example, if you are using a function like 'REPLACE' or 'SUBSTRING', ensure you are providing the correct number and type of arguments.
4
Test the corrected masking rule in a non-production environment to confirm it resolves the error before applying it to your production system.
2. Verify Data Masking Function Compatibility medium
Ensure the data masking functions used are supported in your S/4HANA version and context.
1
Determine which data masking functions are being utilized in the problematic rule.
2
Consult the SAP S/4HANA release notes and the SAP Help Portal for the specific version of S/4HANA you are running. Search for 'data masking' or 'masking rules' and check the list of supported functions.
3
If a function is deprecated, removed, or not intended for the specific context where it's being used (e.g., a function meant for a different module or data type), replace it with an equivalent, supported function.
4
For instance, if you're trying to mask a date field and using a string manipulation function that isn't designed for date types, you might need to use a date-specific masking function or convert the date to a string with a defined format before masking.
3. Review Data Type Mismatches medium
Ensure the data types of the fields being masked align with the expected input of the masking functions.
1
Identify the field(s) targeted by the data masking rule.
2
Determine the actual data type of these fields in the S/4HANA database (e.g., VARCHAR, INTEGER, DATE, TIMESTAMP).
3
Examine the data masking expression. Check if the functions and operations within the expression are compatible with the data type of the target field. For example, attempting to apply string concatenation to a numeric field without proper conversion will likely fail.
4
If there's a mismatch, either adjust the masking rule to use functions appropriate for the field's data type or, if feasible, consider changing the field's data type (this is a more involved solution and requires careful planning).
5
Example: If a column is defined as an integer but the masking rule tries to apply string slicing, you'll need to cast the integer to a string first, or use an integer-specific masking technique if available.
4. Check for Special Character Escaping Issues medium
Correctly escape any special characters used within the data masking expression.
1
Examine the data masking rule for the presence of special characters, such as quotes (', "), backslashes (\), or other characters that might have special meaning within the expression language or the underlying database.
2
Ensure that these special characters are properly escaped. The escaping mechanism depends on the specific masking tool or configuration. Typically, a backslash (\) is used to escape the character that follows it.
3
For example, if your masking rule needs to include a literal single quote within a masked value, and the rule itself uses single quotes to delimit strings, you might need to escape it as '' or \'.
4
Refer to the documentation of the specific SAP S/4HANA data masking feature you are using for the correct escaping conventions.