Problem:

Got back this error and have to use INITIALIZE for numeric data items.

Resolution:

Yes, you will get back this error also if the VALUE clause is not used for data items at compile time.

The reason for this is  (s. Language Reference Chapter 3:Language Fundamentals):

>The initial state of a data item depends on the presence or absence of a VALUE clause in its data description entry...<

Therefore, you have to adjust all data items to the correct numeric data type to avoid error 163.

You can get additional information from KB article#17644.