How To Fix 37856 - Invalid type of column element in table control

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 37 - Screen Painter

• Message number: 856

• Message text: Invalid type of column element in table control

What causes this issue?

The element has a type that is not permitted in a table control column.

System Response

The element cannot be incorporated into the table control.

How to fix this error?

Choose an element with a valid type. The columns of table controls may
currently contain the following elements:
Texts
Input/output fields (including dropdown list boxes)
Checkboxes and radio buttons (Without text: if you require a text, you
must create it separately in the title line)
Pushbuttons

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 37856 - Invalid type of column element in table control ?

  The SAP error message 37856, "Invalid type of column element in table control," typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming, particularly when dealing with table controls in screen programming (dynpro). This error indicates that there is a mismatch or an invalid configuration of the column elements in a table control.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Data Type: The data type of the field defined in the table control does not match the expected type. For example, if a numeric field is defined as a character type in the table control, this error may occur.
  Field Definition Issues: The field definitions in the table control may not align with the underlying data structure or the data elements defined in the ABAP Dictionary.
  Missing Field Attributes: Required attributes for the fields in the table control may be missing or incorrectly defined.
  Inconsistent Field Lengths: The length of the fields defined in the table control may not match the lengths defined in the data dictionary.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Field Definitions: Review the field definitions in the table control and ensure that they match the data types and lengths defined in the ABAP Dictionary.
  Correct Data Types: Ensure that the data types of the fields in the table control are appropriate for the data they are intended to hold. For example, if a field is supposed to hold numeric values, it should be defined as a numeric type.
  Adjust Field Lengths: Make sure that the lengths of the fields in the table control are consistent with the lengths defined in the data dictionary.
  Recreate Table Control: If the issue persists, consider recreating the table control to ensure that all properties are correctly set.
  Check for Updates: If you are using a custom program, ensure that you have the latest updates and patches for your SAP system, as bugs may have been fixed in newer versions.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Dictionary: Familiarize yourself with the ABAP Dictionary (transaction SE11) to understand how data types and structures are defined.
  Screen Painter: Use the Screen Painter (transaction SE80) to visually inspect and modify the properties of the table control.
  Debugging: Utilize the ABAP debugger to trace the program execution and identify where the error is triggered.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error message 37856 and ensure that your table control is correctly configured.