How To Fix AJ033 - Maximum sort field permitted: &1; actual maximum: &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AJ - Billing program

• Message number: 033

• Message text: Maximum sort field permitted: &1; actual maximum: &2

What causes this issue?

The variant program found unexpected entries in the sort control fields
for bill printout. Maintenance of sort control fields is linked to the
number of document line item types. An entry was found in a higher
numbered sort control field than document line item types were expected
for the variant.

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 how many document line item types were defined for the relevant
variant using Transaction EA88.
Also check in rate whether more than this number of sort controls has
been defined for this variant.
If everything matches the expected number, then an error has probably
occurred in the billing program.
Otherwise the setting in the system tables for variants is either
incorrect, or it has changed without the necessary changes being made
in the rate or variant.
In any case, report this error to SAP.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AJ033 - Maximum sort field permitted: &1; actual maximum: &2 ?

  The SAP error message AJ033 indicates that the maximum number of sort fields permitted in a particular operation has been exceeded. This error typically occurs in the context of reporting or data processing where sorting is involved, such as in the use of ALV (ABAP List Viewer) reports or when executing queries.
  Cause:
  The error message AJ033 is triggered when the number of sort fields specified in a report or query exceeds the system's defined limit. The message provides two values:
  
  &1: The number of sort fields you attempted to use.
  &2: The maximum number of sort fields allowed by the system.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Reduce the Number of Sort Fields: Review the report or query and reduce the number of sort fields to be within the allowed limit. This may involve:
  
  Removing unnecessary sort fields.
  Combining fields if possible.
  Prioritizing the most important sort fields.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration: If you believe that the number of sort fields you need is justified, check if there are any configuration settings that can be adjusted to allow for more sort fields. However, this is less common and may require consulting with your SAP Basis or technical team.
  
  
  Review Documentation: Consult the SAP documentation or help resources for any specific limitations related to the version of SAP you are using, as these limits can vary.
  
  
  Testing: After making adjustments, test the report or query again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message. Sometimes, there may be patches or updates that address specific limitations.
  Performance Considerations: Keep in mind that sorting on a large number of fields can impact performance. It is generally a good practice to limit sorting to only those fields that are necessary for the report's purpose.
  User Documentation: If you are a user of a specific report, refer to the user documentation or training materials for guidance on how to effectively use the report without exceeding sort limits.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to your SAP support team for further assistance.