How To Fix DT212 - Field & is too long (Specify a length between & and &)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DT - Table activation (incl. indexes)

• Message number: 212

• Message text: Field & is too long (Specify a length between & and &)

What causes this issue?

The length of the specified table field is too large.

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?

Change the data type or length of the table field. Enter a field length
in the specified limits.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DT212 - Field & is too long (Specify a length between & and &) ?

  The SAP error message DT212 indicates that a field in your data input exceeds the maximum length allowed for that specific field. This error typically occurs when you are trying to enter data into a field that has a defined character limit, and the data you are attempting to input exceeds that limit.
  Cause:
  
  Field Length Exceeded: The primary cause of this error is that the data being entered into a field is longer than the maximum length specified for that field in the database or data structure.
  Data Mapping Issues: If you are importing data from an external source, the mapping of fields may not align correctly, leading to longer data being placed in shorter fields.
  Configuration Errors: Sometimes, the configuration of the data model or the data entry screen may not match the expected lengths.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Field Length: Review the field definition in the relevant data structure or table to determine the maximum allowed length. This can usually be found in the Data Dictionary (transaction SE11).
  Trim Data: If the data being entered is too long, you may need to truncate or shorten the data to fit within the allowed length. Ensure that the essential information is retained.
  Adjust Data Mapping: If you are importing data, ensure that the mapping of fields is correct and that the source data does not exceed the target field lengths.
  Modify Field Length (if applicable): If it is appropriate and feasible, you may consider modifying the field length in the data structure to accommodate longer data. This should be done with caution and typically requires proper authorization and testing.
  Validation Rules: Implement validation rules in your data entry process to prevent users from entering data that exceeds the allowed length.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check field definitions and lengths.
  Data Types: Familiarize yourself with the data types and their respective lengths in SAP, as different data types (CHAR, NUMC, etc.) have different maximum lengths.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific field definitions and constraints related to the module you are working with.
  User Exits or BAdIs: If you need to enforce specific rules or validations, consider using user exits or Business Add-Ins (BAdIs) to implement custom logic.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DT212 error and ensure that your data entries comply with the defined field lengths.