How To Fix C1193 - Selected table field is longer than defined characteristic length

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C1 - Characteristics maintenance messages

• Message number: 193

• Message text: Selected table field is longer than defined characteristic length

What causes this issue?

The value cannot be assigned to the characteristic because the table
field you selected is longer than the characteristic length. If the
actual length is longer than allowed, then it may lead to an
inconsistency status in Classification or in Variant Configuration.

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?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message C1193 - Selected table field is longer than defined characteristic length ?

  The SAP error message C1193, which states "Selected table field is longer than defined characteristic length," typically occurs in the context of data modeling or when working with characteristics in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP HANA. This error indicates that the length of the data being processed exceeds the defined length of the characteristic in the data model.
  Cause:
  
  Data Length Mismatch: The data being loaded or processed has a length that exceeds the maximum length defined for the characteristic in the InfoObject or data model.
  Incorrect Data Source: The source data might have been defined with a longer length than what is specified in the target InfoObject.
  Changes in Source Structure: If the source structure has changed (e.g., a field was extended), but the target InfoObject was not updated accordingly, this error can occur.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Definition:
  
  Go to the InfoObject maintenance in SAP BW and check the length of the characteristic that is causing the error.
  If necessary, increase the length of the characteristic to accommodate the data being loaded.
  
  
  
  Adjust Source Data:
  
  If you cannot change the characteristic length, consider transforming the source data to ensure it fits within the defined length. This could involve truncating the data or using a different field.
  
  
  
  Update Data Model:
  
  If the data source has changed, ensure that the InfoObject and any related data models are updated to reflect the new structure.
  
  
  
  Data Transformation:
  
  Use transformation rules to manipulate the data before it is loaded into the target InfoObject. This can include substring functions or other data manipulation techniques to ensure compliance with length restrictions.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, perform a test load to ensure that the error is resolved and that the data is being processed correctly.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might provide additional guidance or fixes related to this error.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on InfoObjects and data modeling to understand best practices for defining characteristics and handling data lengths.
  Data Quality: Implement data quality checks to ensure that incoming data adheres to the expected formats and lengths before processing.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the error and ensuring that the data model is aligned with the source data, you can resolve the C1193 error effectively.