How To Fix BOS01401 - Hierarchy limited to max. 5 levels

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BOS01 - Customer BOS Processing

• Message number: 401

• Message text: Hierarchy limited to max. 5 levels

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BOS01401 - Hierarchy limited to max. 5 levels ?

  The SAP error message BOS01401, which states "Hierarchy limited to max. 5 levels," typically occurs when you are trying to create or manipulate a hierarchy in SAP that exceeds the maximum allowed levels. This limitation is often encountered in various SAP modules, such as SAP Business Objects or SAP BW (Business Warehouse), where hierarchical structures are used for reporting or data organization.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when:
  
  You attempt to create a hierarchy that has more than five levels. This could happen in scenarios like creating a new organizational structure, product hierarchy, or any other hierarchical data structure.
  The system is configured to restrict hierarchies to a maximum of five levels for performance or design reasons.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Review Hierarchy Structure: 
  
  Analyze the hierarchy you are trying to create. If it has more than five levels, consider whether it can be simplified. 
  Try to consolidate levels or redesign the hierarchy to fit within the five-level limit.
  
  
  
  Use Alternative Structures:
  
  If the hierarchy is too complex, consider using alternative data structures that do not rely on deep hierarchies. For example, you might use flat structures or different categorization methods.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration Settings:
  
  In some cases, the maximum level limit may be configurable. Check with your SAP administrator or refer to the relevant configuration settings in your SAP system to see if the limit can be adjusted.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources related to the specific module you are working with. There may be guidelines or best practices for designing hierarchies.
  
  
  
  Seek Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT team for assistance. They may have additional insights or solutions based on your specific SAP environment.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional context.
  Performance Considerations: Understand that limiting hierarchy levels is often a performance consideration, as deeper hierarchies can lead to increased complexity and slower performance in reporting and data retrieval.
  Training and Best Practices: Consider training sessions or resources on best practices for designing hierarchies in SAP to avoid similar issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the BOS01401 error and successfully manage your hierarchical data in SAP.