How To Fix BRAIN674 - Maximum number of columns (&) exceeded. Result is incomplete.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BRAIN -

• Message number: 674

• Message text: Maximum number of columns (&) exceeded. Result is incomplete.

What causes this issue?

The maximum number of drilldown characteristics is restricted to &V1&.

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?

Reduce the number of drilldown characteristics, by filtering according
to characteristics or dragging characteristics back into the free
characteristics.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BRAIN674 - Maximum number of columns (&) exceeded. Result is incomplete. ?

  The SAP error message BRAIN674 indicates that the maximum number of columns allowed in a report or query has been exceeded. This typically occurs in SAP Business Warehouse (BW) or SAP BusinessObjects environments when generating reports or queries that attempt to display too many columns.
  Cause:
  
  Exceeding Column Limit: The error is triggered when the number of columns in the output exceeds the predefined limit set by the system. This limit can vary based on the specific SAP version and configuration.
  Complex Queries: Queries that involve multiple characteristics or key figures can easily exceed the column limit, especially if there are many dimensions or if the query is not optimized.
  Default Settings: The default settings for maximum columns may not be suitable for the specific reporting needs of your organization.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Reduce the Number of Columns: Modify the query or report to include fewer columns. This can be done by:
  
  Removing unnecessary columns.
  Aggregating data to reduce the number of dimensions.
  Using filters to limit the data being retrieved.
  
  
  
  Check Query Design: Review the query design to ensure it is optimized. This may involve:
  
  Simplifying the query structure.
  Using variables or prompts to limit the data returned.
  
  
  
  Adjust System Settings: If it is necessary to have more columns, consider adjusting the system settings (if you have the necessary permissions):
  
  Consult with your SAP Basis or BW administrator to see if the maximum column limit can be increased.
  Be cautious with this approach, as increasing the limit may impact performance.
  
  
  
  Use Alternative Reporting Tools: If the limitation is a frequent issue, consider using alternative reporting tools or methods that can handle larger datasets more effectively.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or updates regarding this error message.
  Documentation: Review the SAP BW or BusinessObjects documentation for information on query design best practices and limitations.
  Performance Considerations: Keep in mind that even if you can increase the column limit, doing so may lead to performance issues, especially with large datasets.
  
  If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.