How To Fix DT246 - This number of key fields is not permitted with generic buffering

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 246

• Message text: This number of key fields is not permitted with generic buffering

What causes this issue?

You want to buffer a table generically but have specified an incorrect
number of key fields. For generic buffering you need to specify a
number of key fields between 1 and n-1, where n represents the number
of the key fields of the table. If the table has only one key field,
generic buffering is not possible.

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?

You can find out the possible number of key fields via the possible
entries help in the corresponding field. There select one of the
numbers specified.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DT246 - This number of key fields is not permitted with generic buffering ?

  The SAP error message DT246, which states "This number of key fields is not permitted with generic buffering," typically occurs when there is an attempt to use generic buffering on a database table that has too many key fields defined for it. Generic buffering is a performance optimization technique in SAP that allows for the caching of data in memory to reduce database access times. However, there are limitations on how many key fields can be used with this method.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the following:
  
  Too Many Key Fields: The table in question has more key fields than what is allowed for generic buffering. SAP has a limit on the number of key fields that can be used for generic buffering, which is typically 1 or 2 key fields.
  Buffering Configuration: The buffering settings for the table may have been incorrectly configured, leading to an attempt to use generic buffering on a table that does not meet the criteria.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Number of Key Fields:
  
  Review the table definition in the Data Dictionary (transaction SE11) to determine how many key fields are defined for the table.
  
  
  
  Adjust Buffering Settings:
  
  If the table has too many key fields for generic buffering, consider changing the buffering type. You can switch to "Full Buffering" or "Single Record Buffering" if appropriate.
  To change the buffering settings, go to transaction SE11, enter the table name, and navigate to the "Technical Settings" section. Here, you can modify the buffering type.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to buffering and performance optimization to ensure that you are following best practices.
  
  
  
  Test Changes:
  
  After making changes to the buffering settings, test the application to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that performance is acceptable.
  
  
  
  Consider Table Design:
  
  If the table design allows, consider whether it is possible to reduce the number of key fields or redesign the table to better fit the buffering capabilities.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or updates regarding this error.
  Performance Considerations: Understand the implications of changing buffering settings on application performance and data consistency.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DT246 error and optimize the buffering settings for your SAP application.