What causes DF-SAPODP-SAPSystemError?

An ABAP short dump occurred in the SAP system during ODP data delivery (visible in SAP transaction ST22). A BW InfoProvider or DataStore Object (DSO) is locked or being reorganized while the extraction runs. SAP system resources (work processes, memory) were exhausted during large volume extraction. A SAP Basis transport recently modified the ODP object and left metadata in an inconsistent state

How do I fix DF-SAPODP-SAPSystemError?

In ADF Monitor, copy the full error message from the failed activity run — it often contains the SAP exception class or message text.. Log into the SAP system and run transaction ST22 to view ABAP short dumps; filter by the timestamp of the failed ADF run.. Check transaction SM21 (System Log) for application server errors during the failure.. If a BW InfoProvider is involved, check whether it is locked for reorganization or processing in transaction RSMON.. After resolving the SAP-side issue, retry the ADF pipeline — if the error was transient (one-time resource spike), a retry often succeeds.. For recurring errors, engage the SAP Basis or BW team with the short dump details from ST22.

Medium severitydata source

Power BI Refresh Error:
DF-SAPODP-SAPSystemError

What does this error mean?

The SAP system returned a system-level exception during an ODP extraction via ADF Mapping Data Flows. The failure originates on the SAP side — common causes include ABAP short dumps, BW InfoProvider locks, or application server resource exhaustion during the extraction window.

Common causes

1An ABAP short dump occurred in the SAP system during ODP data delivery (visible in SAP transaction ST22)
2A BW InfoProvider or DataStore Object (DSO) is locked or being reorganized while the extraction runs
3SAP system resources (work processes, memory) were exhausted during large volume extraction
4A SAP Basis transport recently modified the ODP object and left metadata in an inconsistent state

How to fix it

1In ADF Monitor, copy the full error message from the failed activity run — it often contains the SAP exception class or message text.
2Log into the SAP system and run transaction ST22 to view ABAP short dumps; filter by the timestamp of the failed ADF run.
3Check transaction SM21 (System Log) for application server errors during the failure.
4If a BW InfoProvider is involved, check whether it is locked for reorganization or processing in transaction RSMON.
5After resolving the SAP-side issue, retry the ADF pipeline — if the error was transient (one-time resource spike), a retry often succeeds.
6For recurring errors, engage the SAP Basis or BW team with the short dump details from ST22.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SAPSystemError and DataflowSystemError?

SAPSystemError originates in SAP (ODP or ABAP exception) — investigate in ST22, SM21. DataflowSystemError is ADF-side (data flow engine or SHIR) — check the IR host and ADF infrastructure.

How do I tell if the SAP system is under load during the failure?

Run SM50 or SM66 in SAP and check active work processes — if all dialog or background processes are occupied, resource exhaustion is likely. Check SM21 for OOM or timeout messages.

Should I retry immediately or wait?

If the error was caused by a transient load spike or brief lock, an immediate retry often succeeds. If structural (ABAP short dump, corrupt metadata), retry will fail again — resolve the SAP-side issue first.

Will downstream Power BI datasets be affected?

Yes — the dataset will serve data from the last successful run. If loads are daily, reports may show data from yesterday.

Official documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-factory/data-flow-troubleshoot-guide