How To Fix E2184 - Foreign key &-& can only be changed in included table

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E2 - DE Data Dictionary

• Message number: 184

• Message text: Foreign key &-& can only be changed in included table

What causes this issue?

You switched in change mode to a foreign key for an included table in
name range CI_ (or SI_) or an append structure.

System Response

The foreign key is only displayed. It cannot be changed.

How to fix this error?

Only change foreign keys for such structures in the structure itself.
The change then affects the included tables as well.
In general it is possible to define the included foreign key in the
included table differently from the included table.
The special cases described above can however be seen as
application-specific or customer-specific elements of a table,
which should avoid modifying the standard table. Foreign key
maintenance in the standard table would however be a modification.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message E2184 - Foreign key &-& can only be changed in included table ?

  The SAP error message E2184, which states "Foreign key &-& can only be changed in included table," typically occurs when you are trying to modify a foreign key relationship in a way that is not allowed by the system's data integrity rules. This error is often encountered in the context of data modeling or database table maintenance, particularly when dealing with transparent tables and their relationships.
  Cause:
  
  
  Foreign Key Constraints: The error indicates that you are attempting to change a foreign key field in a table that is not the primary table for that foreign key relationship. In SAP, foreign keys are defined in a way that they must be maintained in the table where they are originally defined.
  
  
  Included Tables: If you are working with a structure that includes multiple tables (like a table with a structure that includes fields from other tables), the foreign key must be modified in the table where it is defined, not in the included table.
  
  
  Data Integrity Rules: SAP enforces data integrity rules to ensure that relationships between tables remain consistent. Attempting to change a foreign key in the wrong context violates these rules.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Correct Table: Determine which table the foreign key is defined in. You can do this by checking the data dictionary (SE11) for the foreign key definition.
  
  
  Make Changes in the Correct Table: Once you have identified the correct table, make the necessary changes to the foreign key in that table rather than in the included table.
  
  
  Check Dependencies: If you need to change the foreign key relationship, ensure that you understand the dependencies and implications of the change. You may need to adjust related tables or data accordingly.
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to view and modify table definitions and foreign key relationships.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the changes you need to make, consult SAP documentation or seek assistance from a colleague with experience in data modeling within SAP.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Dictionary (SE11): This is the primary tool for managing database objects in SAP. You can view table definitions, foreign keys, and relationships here.
  Foreign Key Relationships: Understanding how foreign keys work in SAP is crucial. They enforce referential integrity between tables.
  Transport Requests: If you are making changes in a development environment, remember to include your changes in a transport request for them to be moved to production.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific issues or updates related to the error message E2184, as there may be patches or updates that address related problems.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the E2184 error and successfully manage your foreign key relationships in SAP.