How To Fix DMC_GENERAL473 - Visibility of field &1 of structure &2 changed from '&3' to '&4'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DMC_GENERAL - MWB: General Messages

• Message number: 473

• Message text: Visibility of field &1 of structure &2 changed from '&3' to '&4'

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DMC_GENERAL473 - Visibility of field &1 of structure &2 changed from '&3' to '&4' ?

  The SAP error message DMC_GENERAL473 indicates that there has been a change in the visibility of a field in a structure. Specifically, it means that the visibility of a field (denoted as &1) in a structure (denoted as &2) has been altered from its previous state (&3) to a new state (&4). This typically occurs in the context of data model changes, such as when a field is made private, protected, or public in a structure.
  Cause:
  
  Change in Data Model: The most common cause of this error is a modification in the data model where the visibility of a field has been changed. This could happen during development or when importing changes from a transport request.
  Incompatibility: If the change in visibility is not compatible with existing references to that field, it can lead to this error. For example, if a field that was previously public is changed to private, any code that tries to access that field will fail.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Changes: Check the change logs or transport requests to identify when and why the visibility of the field was changed. Understanding the context of the change is crucial.
  Adjust Code: If the visibility change is intentional, you may need to adjust any code that references the field. This could involve changing access methods or modifying the way the field is accessed in your programs or function modules.
  Revert Changes: If the change was made in error, consider reverting the visibility of the field back to its original state. This can be done in the data dictionary (SE11) where the structure is defined.
  Testing: After making any changes, ensure to thoroughly test the affected areas of your application to confirm that the issue is resolved and that no new issues have been introduced.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Dictionary (SE11): You can use transaction SE11 to view and modify the structure where the field is defined.
  Transport Management System (STMS): If the change was part of a transport request, you can check the transport logs to see what changes were made and by whom.
  ABAP Development: If you are an ABAP developer, you may need to review the code that interacts with the structure to ensure compliance with the new visibility rules.
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Documentation: Always document changes made to data models and structures to avoid confusion in the future.
  Version Control: Use version control for your ABAP code to track changes and facilitate easier rollbacks if necessary.
  Communication: Ensure that all team members are aware of changes to data models, especially if they affect shared structures or fields.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DMC_GENERAL473 error and ensure that your SAP application functions correctly.