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SAP reference · LessonReviewed by Ravi M, SAP Trainer, 10 yrs · Updated · Published · SAP S/4HANA 2023 · all levels

SAP Messages

SAP messages are the system’s coded notifications, errors, warnings, information, each with a class and number. This reference explains understanding and finding them.

Quick answer

An SAP message such as M7 021 is a message class plus a number, typed Error, Warning, Information, Success or Abort, with placeholders filled at runtime. Double-click it or open the long text for the cause, use SE91 to view the class and texts, search SAP Notes by class and number, and in debugging break on the message.

Key takeaways
  • Watch out: the message type decides whether the same text informs, warns or terminates the program.

What it is

A message (e.g. "M7 021") has a message class (M7) and number, with types Error (E), Warning (W), Information (I), Success (S), Abort (A). The message text often includes placeholders filled at runtime. Messages drive validations and user feedback throughout SAP.

How to find/use it

  • Double-click a message (or use the long text) to see details/cause.
  • Use SE91 to view message classes and texts.
  • Note the class + number to search SAP Notes/help for known issues.
  • In debugging, set a breakpoint on a specific message to find where it is raised.

Why it matters

Messages are how SAP tells you what is wrong; reading them precisely (class + number + text) is the fastest route to a cause, and message references are heavily searched when troubleshooting.

Common pitfalls

  • Guessing instead of using the reference tools.
  • Editing/using without understanding the object.
  • Relying on memory for details you can look up.
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