How To Fix DT514 - Index &-& has more than 16 fields

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 514

• Message text: Index &-& has more than 16 fields

What causes this issue?

An index may contain at most 16 fields.

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?

Remove the superfluous fields from the index.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DT514 - Index &-& has more than 16 fields ?

  The SAP error message DT514 indicates that an index you are trying to create or modify has more than 16 fields. In SAP, there is a limitation on the number of fields that can be included in a single index, which is capped at 16 fields. This limitation is in place to ensure optimal performance and manageability of database indexes.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  You attempt to create or modify an index that includes more than 16 fields.
  The index definition in the database exceeds the maximum allowed number of fields.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the DT514 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Review the Index Definition: Check the fields that are included in the index. Identify if all fields are necessary for the index.
  
  
  Reduce the Number of Fields: 
  
  If possible, remove some fields from the index to bring the total number down to 16 or fewer.
  Consider whether all fields are needed for the specific queries that the index is intended to optimize.
  
  
  
  Create Multiple Indexes: If you need to index more than 16 fields, consider creating multiple indexes that cover different combinations of fields. This can help optimize query performance without exceeding the field limit.
  
  
  Use Composite Indexes: If certain fields are frequently queried together, you can create composite indexes that combine those fields, while ensuring that the total number of fields in any single index does not exceed 16.
  
  
  Analyze Query Performance: Use the SQL trace or performance analysis tools in SAP to determine which fields are most critical for your queries and adjust your indexing strategy accordingly.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for best practices on indexing and performance optimization.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Database Limitations: The limitation of 16 fields in an index is a common constraint in many database systems, including SAP's underlying database (e.g., HANA, Oracle, etc.).
  Performance Considerations: While indexes can significantly improve query performance, having too many fields in an index can lead to increased overhead during data modification operations (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific recommendations or updates related to indexing and performance issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DT514 error and optimize your indexing strategy in SAP.