How To Fix E2168 - Type and length of field &-& were changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E2 - DE Data Dictionary

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Type and length of field &-& were changed

What causes this issue?

The data element in field &V1&-&V2& was changed. This data element has a
format that is different from the field format used thus far.
Attention for all tables that contain this data element:
Note that this action can result in a table conversion. This is not
desired for database tables belonging to delivery class A - check this
using the RUTATCHK report and correct accordingy.

System Response

The type and length of field &V1&-&V2& was changed.

How to fix this error?

Choose 'Continue' or change the referenced data element if the RUTATCHK
report does not show any conversion.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message E2168 - Type and length of field &-& were changed ?

  The SAP error message E2168 ("Type and length of field &-& were changed") typically occurs during the activation of a data dictionary object, such as a table or a structure, when there is a mismatch in the field definitions. This error indicates that the type or length of a field has been modified in a way that is incompatible with existing references to that field.
  Cause:
  
  
  Field Modification: The field in question has been altered in terms of its data type or length. This could happen if:
  
  The field was changed from one data type to another (e.g., from CHAR to NUMC).
  The length of the field was increased or decreased.
  
  
  
  Dependent Objects: There are dependent objects (like views, programs, or function modules) that reference the field with the old definition. When the field's definition is changed, these dependent objects may not be compatible with the new definition.
  
  
  Transport Requests: If the changes were made in a development environment and transported to another environment (like QA or Production), the transport might not have included all necessary changes, leading to inconsistencies.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Field Definition: Review the field definition in the data dictionary (SE11) to confirm the current type and length. Compare it with the previous definition if you have access to that information.
  
  
  Adjust Dependent Objects: Identify all dependent objects that reference the field. You can use transaction SE11 to check for dependencies or use the "Where-Used List" feature. Update these objects to ensure they are compatible with the new field definition.
  
  
  Re-activate Objects: After making necessary adjustments to dependent objects, try reactivating the data dictionary object that caused the error.
  
  
  Transport Consistency: If the issue arose after a transport, ensure that all related objects were included in the transport request. You may need to re-transport the objects or manually adjust them in the target environment.
  
  
  Check for Active Locks: Sometimes, active locks on objects can cause issues. Ensure that no other user is currently editing or locking the objects involved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SE11: Data Dictionary (to check field definitions and dependencies).
  SE80: Object Navigator (to find and manage related objects).
  SE37: Function Modules (to check for function modules that may reference the field).
  
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to data dictionary changes and field definitions for best practices and guidelines.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the E2168 error and ensure that your data dictionary objects are correctly defined and activated.