How To Fix CLASSIFICATION_TOOL220 - Maximum number of columns (&1) exceeded.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CLASSIFICATION_TOOL - Classification tool

• Message number: 220

• Message text: Maximum number of columns (&1) exceeded.

What causes this issue?

You are trying to display a set of characteristics that needs too many
columns.

System Response

The classifications are not displayed.

How to fix this error?

Reduce the number of characteristics. If you are working with the object
browser, you have two options.
Reduce the number of displayed attributes by pressing the button "Choose
characteristics".
Double-click on a single characteristic.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CLASSIFICATION_TOOL220 - Maximum number of columns (&1) exceeded. ?

  The SAP error message CLASSIFICATION_TOOL220 indicates that the maximum number of columns allowed in a classification tool has been exceeded. This typically occurs when you are trying to create or manipulate a classification view or structure that has more columns than the system can handle.
  Cause:
  
  Exceeding Column Limit: The error is triggered when the number of columns in a classification view exceeds the predefined limit set by SAP. This limit can vary based on the specific SAP system configuration and version.
  Data Model Design: Poor data model design or an attempt to include too many attributes in a classification can lead to this issue.
  System Configuration: The system may have specific configurations that limit the number of columns for performance reasons.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Classification Structure: Check the classification structure you are trying to create or modify. Reduce the number of columns by removing unnecessary attributes or consolidating similar attributes.
  Optimize Data Model: Consider optimizing your data model. Instead of having many columns, you might want to use a more normalized approach or create additional classification views if necessary.
  Check SAP Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for your specific version to understand the maximum limits for columns in classification tools.
  Consult with SAP Support: If you believe that your use case is valid and the limit is too restrictive, consider reaching out to SAP support for guidance or potential configuration changes.
  Use Alternative Approaches: If the classification tool is not suitable for your needs due to this limitation, explore alternative methods for data classification or categorization that may not have the same restrictions.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this issue or provide updates on limits and configurations.
  Performance Considerations: Keep in mind that having too many columns can also impact performance, so it's generally a good practice to keep your classification structures as lean as possible.
  Version-Specific Limits: Be aware that different versions of SAP may have different limits, so ensure that you are looking at the correct documentation for your version.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CLASSIFICATION_TOOL220 error and optimize your classification structures in SAP.