3809193 - Business rule error "java.util.Date cannot be cast to java.lang.String" when auto-populating a date in a Performance Management form - SAP SuccessFactors Performance & Goals

• A Performance Management business rule that auto-fills a custom date field on form reach/load/save does not update the field.
• The rule trace shows the error: "class java.util.Date cannot be cast to class java.lang.String (java.util.Date and java.lang.String are in module java.base of loader 'bootstrap')."
• The custom field is configured with data type "Date".
• The issue occurs when the form reaches the Employee Acknowledgment step and is expected to default the Acknowledgement Date to Today.

• Product: SAP SuccessFactors Performance & Goals

1. Launch a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) form that contains a custom date field for acknowledgment.
2. Configure a business rule to set the custom date field to Today, applied on form load and/or on save.
3. Advance the form to the Employee Acknowledgment step.
4. Observe that the date field is not populated and the rule trace records the class cast error.

• Product defect in Performance Management business rule handling of Date values causing a class cast error (java.util.Date to String) when setting a Date field.

1. Update the system to the 2H 2026 release or a later version where the fix is included.
2. After the update, retest the form progression to the Employee Acknowledgment step and verify that the Acknowledgement Date auto-populates as expected.
3. If the issue persists after updating, collect an updated rule trace and open a support case for further analysis.

• Refer to: 2088892 - How to Grant Support Access to SAP SuccessFactors Support Staff

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