How To Fix COM_SE_SEARCH055 - The use of wildcards (*, +) disables fuzzy mode

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_SE_SEARCH - SES: End user messages -> Translate to maximum languages

• Message number: 055

• Message text: The use of wildcards (*, +) disables fuzzy mode

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 COM_SE_SEARCH055 - The use of wildcards (*, +) disables fuzzy mode ?

  The SAP error message COM_SE_SEARCH055 indicates that when using wildcards (such as * or +) in a search query, the fuzzy search mode is disabled. This is a common restriction in many search systems, including SAP, because the use of wildcards can complicate the fuzzy matching algorithm, which is designed to find approximate matches rather than exact ones.
  Cause:
  
  Wildcards in Search Queries: When you include wildcards in your search string, the system interprets this as a request for a broader search that does not align with the fuzzy search capabilities.
  Fuzzy Search Mode: Fuzzy search is typically used to find results that are similar to the search term, accounting for typos or variations. However, when wildcards are present, the system cannot effectively determine what "similar" means, leading to the disabling of fuzzy search.
  
  Solution:
  
  Remove Wildcards: If you want to utilize fuzzy search, you should remove any wildcards from your search query. This will allow the system to process the search in fuzzy mode.
  Use Exact Terms: Instead of using wildcards, try to use more specific terms or phrases that you expect to find in the data.
  Alternative Search Options: If you need to perform a search that includes wildcards, consider using a different search method that does not rely on fuzzy matching.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Fuzzy Search: This is a search technique that finds matches that are approximately equal to the search term, which is useful for handling misspellings or variations in data.
  Wildcards: In search queries, wildcards are symbols that represent one or more characters. For example, * can represent any number of characters, while + can represent one or more characters.
  Search Configuration: Depending on your SAP system configuration, there may be settings that allow you to adjust how searches are processed. Consult your system administrator or SAP documentation for more details.
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Always check the search documentation for your specific SAP module to understand the limitations and capabilities of the search functionality.
  If you frequently need to perform searches with wildcards, consider creating a separate search function or report that accommodates this need without conflicting with fuzzy search requirements.
  
  By following these guidelines, you should be able to effectively manage the error message and improve your search results in SAP.