How To Fix AP168 - Total length is too long

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AP - Investment program messages

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Total length is too long

What causes this issue?

The length of the edit ID (&V1& characters) plus the length of the
coding mask (&V2& characters) together exceeds the maximum length
allowed (24 characters).

System Response

The entry is rejected.

How to fix this error?

Correct your entry.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AP168 - Total length is too long ?

  The SAP error message AP168, which states "Total length is too long," typically occurs when the total length of a string or data field exceeds the maximum allowed limit defined in the system. This error can arise in various contexts, such as when dealing with text fields, data uploads, or when processing certain transactions.
  Causes:
  
  Field Length Exceeded: The most common cause is that the data being entered or processed exceeds the maximum length defined for a specific field in the database or application.
  Concatenated Strings: If multiple strings are concatenated together, the resulting length may exceed the allowed limit.
  Data Uploads: When uploading data from external sources (like CSV files), the total length of the data being uploaded may exceed the defined limits.
  Custom Development: Custom programs or enhancements may not have been designed to handle longer strings properly.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Field Lengths: Review the field definitions in the relevant data structure or table to understand the maximum allowed lengths. Ensure that the data being entered or processed does not exceed these limits.
  Data Truncation: If possible, truncate the data to fit within the allowed limits. This may involve shortening text fields or splitting data into multiple entries.
  Modify Data Uploads: If the error occurs during data uploads, ensure that the data being uploaded adheres to the length restrictions. You may need to preprocess the data to ensure compliance.
  Review Custom Code: If the error is occurring in a custom program, review the code to ensure that it properly handles string lengths and does not attempt to concatenate strings that exceed the limits.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific field length limits related to the transaction or module you are working with.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Transaction Codes: Depending on where the error occurs, you may want to look into specific transaction codes related to the module you are working with (e.g., MM, SD, FI).
  Testing: If you are making changes to data or code, ensure to test in a development or quality assurance environment before applying changes to production.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant who can provide more tailored assistance based on your specific system configuration and usage.