How To Fix 01737 - Output length of data element &1 is greater than 40 characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 01 -

• Message number: 737

• Message text: Output length of data element &1 is greater than 40 characters

What causes this issue?

The selected authorization field references a data element with an
output length greater than 40 characters.
Note that authorization values are truncated at 40 characters in
authorization maintenance (transaction PFCG or SU03).

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

If you application requires check values longer than 40 characters for
authorization checks (such as the data elements used here), you need to
define an alias relationship to then check for the shorter alias name.
Replace the data element used with the name of the alias.
If your application can differentiate sufficiently for the authorization
check with authorization values of 40 characters or less, you can retain
the authorization field/data element relationship.
Note the field restriction in the documentation for the associated
authorization objects.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 01737 - Output length of data element &1 is greater than 40 characters ?

  The SAP error message "01737 Output length of data element &1 is greater than 40 characters" typically occurs when there is an attempt to display or process a data element that exceeds the maximum allowed output length of 40 characters. This can happen in various contexts, such as when defining fields in reports, screens, or data structures.
  Cause:
  
  Data Element Definition: The data element referenced in the error message has been defined with an output length greater than 40 characters. In SAP, certain contexts (like screen fields or report outputs) may have limitations on the length of the data that can be displayed.
  Field Usage: The field is being used in a context that does not support longer lengths, such as in a selection screen or a report output.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Data Element Definition:
  
  Go to transaction SE11 (Data Dictionary).
  Enter the name of the data element indicated in the error message and check its properties.
  If the output length is indeed greater than 40 characters, consider modifying it to fit within the limit, if appropriate.
  
  
  
  Adjust Field Length:
  
  If you are using this data element in a custom program or report, you may need to adjust the field length in your code to ensure it does not exceed 40 characters.
  For example, if you are using a SELECT statement or defining a field in a report, ensure that the field length is set to 40 or less.
  
  
  
  Use Substrings:
  
  If you need to display or process the data element but it exceeds the length, consider using substring functions to limit the output to the first 40 characters.
  
  
  
  Review Screen Layouts:
  
  If the error occurs in a screen or a report layout, check the layout settings to ensure that the field is defined with an appropriate length.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP Basis or ABAP team for best practices regarding data element definitions and field lengths.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message.
  Data Dictionary: Familiarize yourself with the Data Dictionary (SE11) to understand how data elements and their properties are defined.
  Field Length Limitations: Be aware of the limitations imposed by the specific context in which you are working (e.g., reports, screens, etc.).
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and ensure that your data elements conform to the required output length constraints.