How To Fix CNV20201004 - Format error! Number = &1 is too long! (> &2)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CNV20201 -

• Message number: 004

• Message text: Format error! Number = &1 is too long! (> &2)

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CNV20201004 - Format error! Number = &1 is too long! (> &2) ?

  The SAP error message CNV20201004 indicates that there is a format error related to a number that exceeds the allowed length. This error typically occurs during data migration or conversion processes, particularly when using SAP's data migration tools or during the execution of specific programs that handle numeric data.
  Cause:
  The error message specifies that a number (represented by &1) is too long, exceeding the maximum allowed length (represented by &2). This can happen due to several reasons:
  
  Data Input Error: The source data may contain numeric values that are longer than the target field's defined length in the SAP system.
  Configuration Issues: The target field in the SAP system may not be configured to accept the length of the incoming data.
  Data Type Mismatch: There may be a mismatch between the data types in the source and target systems, leading to an overflow of numeric values.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the CNV20201004 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Source Data: Review the source data for any numeric values that exceed the expected length. You can use data profiling tools or scripts to identify these values.
  
  
  Adjust Target Field Length: If the source data is valid and should be accepted, consider adjusting the length of the target field in the SAP system to accommodate the larger numbers. This may involve modifying the data dictionary (DDIC) definitions.
  
  
  Data Transformation: If the source data cannot be changed, consider transforming the data before migration. This could involve truncating the numbers, rounding them, or converting them to a different format (e.g., from numeric to string).
  
  
  Error Logging: Implement error logging to capture instances of this error during the migration process. This will help in identifying patterns and specific records causing the issue.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to the specific migration tool or program you are using. There may be specific guidelines or limitations regarding data formats.
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the migration process works as expected without triggering the error.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the CNV20201004 error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common errors.
  Data Migration Tools: Familiarize yourself with the specific data migration tools you are using (e.g., SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit, SAP Data Services) as they may have specific configurations or settings that can help mitigate this error.
  Field Definitions: Review the field definitions in the target SAP system to ensure they align with the expected data formats and lengths.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the CNV20201004 error and implement an appropriate solution.