How To Fix DT903 - &-structure: invalid change: length of field & was changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 903

• Message text: &-structure: invalid change: length of field & was changed

What causes this issue?

For a BAPI or IDOC structure, you have attempted to change the length of
a field. The structure, however, is marked as "frozen". This means that,
in this version, it is delivered as productive in BAPIs and IDOCs,
respectively. Renewed delivery with the peformed change would contradict
the agreed interface.

System Response

The activation is rejected.

How to fix this error?

Take back the change. If it is absolutely necessary, you wil first have
to reset the "frozen" status. For information on how to do this and what
you need to watch out for, refer to Note 1297242.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DT903 - &-structure: invalid change: length of field & was changed ?

  The SAP error message DT903, which states "Structure: invalid change: length of field & was changed," typically occurs when there is an inconsistency in the data dictionary definitions of a structure. This error is often encountered during the activation of a data dictionary object, such as a structure or table, when the length of a field in the structure has been modified in a way that is not compatible with existing references to that structure.
  Cause:
  
  Field Length Change: The most common cause of this error is that the length of a field in a structure has been changed after it has already been used in other database objects (like tables, views, or other structures).
  Inconsistent References: If the structure is being used in multiple places, changing the length of a field can lead to inconsistencies, as existing references may not be able to accommodate the new length.
  Transport Issues: If the structure was transported from one system to another, and the field lengths were not consistent across systems, this error may arise.
  
  Solution:
  
  Revert Changes: If possible, revert the field length change to its original value. This is the simplest solution if the change is not critical.
  Check Dependencies: Use transaction SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check where the structure is used. You can use the "Where-Used List" feature to identify all dependent objects. Ensure that all dependent objects are updated accordingly.
  Adjust Dependent Objects: If you need to keep the new field length, you will have to adjust all dependent objects (like tables, views, etc.) to accommodate the new field length.
  Activate Objects: After making the necessary adjustments, try to activate the structure and any dependent objects again.
  Transport Requests: If this issue arises during a transport, ensure that all systems involved have the same version of the data dictionary objects.
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SE11: Data Dictionary
  SE14: Database Utility (to check and adjust database objects)
  SE80: Object Navigator (to view and manage objects)
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on data dictionary objects and their management.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. Sometimes, specific versions of SAP may have bugs that are documented in SAP Notes.
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, always test the affected functionality to ensure that everything works as expected.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DT903 error and ensure that your data dictionary objects are consistent and correctly defined.