How To Fix AQ881 - Column operation results in loss of sort and totals

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AQ - Message texts for SAP Query

• Message number: 881

• Message text: Column operation results in loss of sort and totals

What causes this issue?

You sorted your data in the table display by your own criteria and
calculated totals on this basis. Then, you either switched two of the
columns used in the sort or suppressed one of the sorted columns. As a
result, both the sort and totals calculated so far are lost.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AQ881 - Column operation results in loss of sort and totals ?

  The SAP error message AQ881, which states "Column operation results in loss of sort and totals," typically occurs in the context of SAP queries or reports when there is an issue with how data is being aggregated or displayed. This error indicates that the operation you are trying to perform on a column (such as a calculation or aggregation) will lead to a loss of the sorting or total values that are expected in the report.
  Cause:
  
  Aggregation Issues: The error often arises when you are trying to perform an operation (like a sum, average, or other calculations) on a column that is also being sorted or totaled. If the operation cannot maintain the integrity of the sort order or the total values, SAP will raise this error.
  Data Type Mismatch: If the data types of the columns involved in the operation are incompatible, it can lead to this error.
  Query Design: The way the query is designed, including the selection of fields and the use of groupings, can also lead to this issue.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Query Design: Check the design of your query or report. Ensure that the columns you are aggregating do not conflict with the sorting or totaling operations. You may need to adjust the fields you are selecting or how they are grouped.
  Adjust Aggregation: If you are performing calculations on a column, consider whether you can do this in a way that maintains the sort order and totals. For example, you might need to aggregate data before applying further calculations.
  Change Data Types: Ensure that the data types of the columns involved in the operation are compatible. If necessary, convert data types to ensure they can be aggregated correctly.
  Use Subqueries: In some cases, using subqueries to first aggregate data before applying further operations can help avoid this error.
  Check Sorting and Grouping: Make sure that the sorting and grouping settings in your query are appropriate for the data being processed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on query design and error handling.
  SAP Community: The SAP Community forums can be a valuable resource for finding similar issues faced by other users and potential solutions.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes (like SQ01 for query creation) to better navigate and troubleshoot queries in SAP.
  
  If the issue persists after trying these solutions, it may be helpful to consult with an SAP expert or your organization's SAP support team for further assistance.