How To Fix DS214 - The new generic name must be as long as the old one

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DS - Messages for Editing Text Elements in ABAP Programs

• Message number: 214

• Message text: The new generic name must be as long as the old one

What causes this issue?

When copying/renaming programs with a generic name, the names of the
new programs are determined from the old programs. This means that the
generic name of the new programs must have as many characters as that
for the old programs.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DS214 - The new generic name must be as long as the old one ?

  The SAP error message DS214, which states "The new generic name must be as long as the old one," typically occurs in the context of changing or updating a generic material or a classification in the SAP system. This error indicates that when you are trying to rename or modify a generic name, the new name does not match the length of the existing name.
  Cause:
  
  Length Mismatch: The new generic name you are trying to assign is either shorter or longer than the existing generic name. SAP has specific rules regarding the length of names for consistency and data integrity.
  Data Integrity Rules: SAP enforces certain data integrity rules to ensure that the system remains consistent and that all references to the generic name are valid.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the DS214 error, you should ensure that the new generic name you are trying to assign meets the following criteria:
  
  Match Length: Make sure that the new generic name has the same number of characters as the existing generic name. If the old name is 10 characters long, the new name must also be 10 characters long.
  Valid Characters: Ensure that the new name contains valid characters as per SAP's naming conventions.
  Check for Spaces: Sometimes, trailing spaces can cause length mismatches. Ensure that there are no unintended spaces in either the old or new name.
  Use Transaction Codes: If you are using a specific transaction code to change the generic name, ensure that you are following the correct procedure as outlined in the SAP documentation.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for guidelines on naming conventions and data integrity rules.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), or CL02 (Change Class) depending on the context of your error.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional insights or patches that may address the issue.
  User Forums: Consider visiting SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By ensuring that the new generic name matches the length of the old one and adheres to SAP's naming conventions, you should be able to resolve the DS214 error.