Invalid decimal data Explanation: A numeric data-item declared as USAGE IS DISPLAY, or with an implied declaration of USAGE IS DISPLAY, contains characters that are not digits or the sign position does not contain a valid sign representation. User Action: You must determine how invalid characters are being stored in the variable. Some possible reasons why this can occur are as follows: a. The variable in question is a parameter in a CALL statement and the called routine treats the variable as an alphanumeric field. b. The variable in question participates in a REDEFINES operation with an alphanumeric variable. c. The variable is defined as an element of a record, and alphanumeric data is moved to a group item that contains that variable. If the invalid data is caused by numeric data-items that contain leading blank characters instead of leading zeros, recompile the program specifying /CONVERT=LEADING_BLANKS.