How To Fix 00964 - DB error: Single record access to table & without primary key

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 00 -

• Message number: 964

• Message text: DB error: Single record access to table & without primary key

What causes this issue?

For the SELECT SINGLE (SAP SQL), the complete primary key of the table
must be specified (at least).

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Complete the SELECT-SINGLE condition accordingly.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 00964 - DB error: Single record access to table & without primary key ?

  The SAP error message "00964 DB error: Single record access to table & without primary key" typically occurs when an attempt is made to access a database table that does not have a primary key defined, and the system is trying to retrieve a single record from that table. This can lead to ambiguity in the results, as there may be multiple records that match the criteria.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Primary Key: The table in question does not have a primary key defined. A primary key is essential for uniquely identifying records in a table.
  Single Record Access Attempt: The application or program is trying to access a single record using a method that requires a unique identifier, but since the table lacks a primary key, the system cannot guarantee that the record retrieved is unique.
  Database Design Issues: The database design may not adhere to best practices, leading to tables without primary keys.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Define a Primary Key: If you have the necessary permissions and it is appropriate for your data model, consider defining a primary key for the table. This will help ensure that each record can be uniquely identified.
  
  You can do this through the Data Dictionary (SE11) in SAP. Open the table, go to the "Fields" tab, and define a primary key.
  
  
  
  Modify Access Logic: If defining a primary key is not feasible, you may need to modify the logic in the program or report that is trying to access the table. Instead of attempting to retrieve a single record, consider retrieving multiple records and handling them appropriately.
  
  
  Check for Duplicates: If the table is already populated, check for duplicate records that may cause issues when trying to access a single record. You may need to clean up the data to ensure that it adheres to the expected structure.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP Basis or ABAP team for best practices regarding database design and access methods.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Database Design Best Practices: Ensure that all tables have primary keys to maintain data integrity and facilitate efficient data retrieval.
  SAP Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to manage table definitions and SE14 (Database Utility) to manage database objects.
  Performance Considerations: Accessing tables without primary keys can lead to performance issues, especially with large datasets, as the database engine may need to scan the entire table to find matching records.
  
  If the issue persists after attempting these solutions, it may be beneficial to engage with SAP support or your internal technical team for further assistance.