How To Fix EI117 - Limit selection, long runtimes!

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EI - Foreign Trade: Gen. Output

• Message number: 117

• Message text: Limit selection, long runtimes!

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EI117 - Limit selection, long runtimes! ?

  The SAP error message EI117 "Limit selection, long runtimes!" typically occurs when a query or report is expected to process a large volume of data, which could lead to long runtimes or performance issues. This message serves as a warning to users that the selection criteria they have set may result in a significant amount of data being processed, which could impact system performance.
  Causes:
  
  Large Data Volume: The selection criteria specified in the report or query may match a large number of records in the database.
  Inefficient Queries: The way the query is structured may not be optimized, leading to longer processing times.
  Lack of Indexes: If the database tables involved do not have appropriate indexes, it can slow down data retrieval.
  Complex Joins: Queries that involve multiple tables with complex joins can also lead to longer runtimes.
  System Performance: The overall performance of the SAP system may be affected by other concurrent processes or insufficient resources.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Refine Selection Criteria: Narrow down the selection criteria to limit the number of records being processed. This can be done by adding more filters or using specific date ranges.
  Use Aggregation: If applicable, consider using aggregated data instead of detailed records to reduce the volume of data being processed.
  Optimize Queries: Review and optimize the query for better performance. This may involve simplifying joins, using subqueries, or restructuring the query.
  Check Indexes: Ensure that the relevant database tables have appropriate indexes to speed up data retrieval.
  Run During Off-Peak Hours: If possible, schedule the report to run during off-peak hours when system load is lower.
  Increase System Resources: If the issue persists, consider discussing with your IT team about increasing system resources (CPU, memory) to handle larger queries more efficiently.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check table structures and indexes, or SE80 (Object Navigator) to analyze the program or report causing the issue.
  Performance Analysis: Use transaction ST03N (Workload Analysis) to analyze system performance and identify bottlenecks.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or patches related to performance issues.
  User Training: Educate users on how to set effective selection criteria to avoid running into this error in the future.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can mitigate the occurrence of the EI117 error and improve the performance of your SAP queries and reports.