How To Fix 5P386 - E: The total field lengths of the decision operations are too great

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5P - Error Messages for Schema, Pers.Calc.Rule and Feature Checks

• Message number: 386

• Message text: E: The total field lengths of the decision operations are too great

What causes this issue?

The length of the field values of decision operation fields located in
a path of the hierarchy tree, with one byte of space to separate one
field from the next, is greater than 18 bytes.

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?

Check that the field contents actually correspond to the field length.
Example 1: You need a decision operation for the FCODE field. As of
Release 4.0, the field has a length of 20 bytes. However, all of the
contents expected for FCODE consist of just four characters. In this
case, enter your decision operation for FCODE with a length of 4.
Example 2: The field contents are not completely different each time.
Instead, just two characters differ as of the third character. In this
case, enter your decision operation for this field with offset 2
(offset = position - 1) and a length of 2.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5P386 - E: The total field lengths of the decision operations are too great ?

  The SAP error message 5P386 E: The total field lengths of the decision operations are too great typically occurs in the context of decision tables or decision trees within the SAP system, particularly in the area of Business Rules Management (BRM) or similar decision-making frameworks. This error indicates that the combined length of the fields used in the decision operations exceeds the allowed limit.
  Cause:
  
  Field Length Exceedance: The total length of the fields defined in the decision operations exceeds the maximum limit set by the system. Each field in a decision operation has a defined length, and when these lengths are summed up, they may surpass the permissible threshold.
  Complex Decision Logic: If the decision logic is overly complex or involves too many fields, it can lead to this error.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the decision table or decision tree can also lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Field Lengths: Check the lengths of the fields used in the decision operations. Ensure that their total length does not exceed the system's limits. You may need to reduce the number of fields or the length of individual fields.
  Simplify Decision Logic: If possible, simplify the decision logic by reducing the number of conditions or combining similar conditions to minimize the total field length.
  Split Decision Tables: If the decision table is too large, consider splitting it into multiple smaller tables that can be processed independently.
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings for the decision operations to ensure they are set up correctly and efficiently.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific limits related to field lengths in decision operations.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide guidance on best practices for configuring decision operations.
  Performance Considerations: Be aware that overly complex decision logic can not only lead to errors but also impact system performance. Aim for clarity and efficiency in decision-making processes.
  Testing: After making changes, thoroughly test the decision operations to ensure they function as expected without triggering the error.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support or consulting with a technical expert familiar with your specific SAP environment.