How To Fix 37213 - Visible length is shorter than defined length (not transformed)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 37 - Screen Painter

• Message number: 213

• Message text: Visible length is shorter than defined length (not transformed)

What causes this issue?

You are editing an input/output field for which the "scrollable"
attribute is set, and want to change it into a box. The visible length
of the screen element is less than the defined length.

System Response

You cannot scroll in a box text. The system therefore cannot convert
the output field into a box with variable text if the visible and
defined lengths differ.

How to fix this error?

Before converting the field, remove the "scrollable" attribute. You can
do this in the "attributes" screen or in the element list.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 37213 - Visible length is shorter than defined length (not transformed) ?

  The SAP error message 37213, which states "Visible length is shorter than defined length (not transformed)," typically occurs in the context of data transformation or data display in SAP systems, particularly when dealing with fields in data structures or database tables.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when there is a mismatch between the defined length of a field in the data dictionary (DDIC) and the actual length of the data being processed or displayed. Common scenarios include:
  
  Field Length Mismatch: The field in the database or data structure has a defined length that is longer than the actual data being input or processed.
  Data Transformation Issues: During data transformation processes (like ETL), the data being transformed does not meet the expected length criteria.
  Incorrect Data Mapping: If data is being mapped from one structure to another, and the target structure has a shorter field length than the source, this error can occur.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Field Definitions: Review the data dictionary definitions for the fields involved. Ensure that the visible length of the field matches the defined length. You can do this by using transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check the field properties.
  
  
  Adjust Data Length: If the data being processed is shorter than expected, you may need to pad the data or adjust the input to meet the required length. This can involve adding spaces or zeros, depending on the context.
  
  
  Modify Data Structures: If the defined length is too long for the actual data being processed, consider modifying the data structure to reflect the actual data length requirements.
  
  
  Review Transformation Logic: If the error occurs during a data transformation process, review the transformation logic to ensure that it correctly handles the lengths of the fields being processed.
  
  
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider using debugging tools in SAP to trace the data flow and identify where the mismatch occurs.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE80 (Object Navigator), and SE37 (Function Module) to analyze and modify data structures.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes and Knowledge Base Articles for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for guidelines on data handling and transformation best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a suitable solution.