How To Fix ES186 - You can only enter a selection method for elementary search helps

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ES - ABAP Workbench: Repository Information System

• Message number: 186

• Message text: You can only enter a selection method for elementary search helps

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ES186 - You can only enter a selection method for elementary search helps ?

  The SAP error message ES186 ("You can only enter a selection method for elementary search helps") typically occurs when you are trying to define or modify a search help in the SAP system, specifically when dealing with search helps that are not elementary.
  Cause:
  This error arises when you attempt to assign a selection method to a search help that is not classified as an elementary search help. In SAP, search helps can be categorized into two types:
  
  Elementary Search Helps: These are standalone search helps that can be used directly in fields.
  Collective Search Helps: These are composed of multiple elementary search helps and do not have their own selection method.
  
  If you try to assign a selection method to a collective search help, the system will throw this error because collective search helps do not support selection methods.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should ensure that you are working with an elementary search help if you want to assign a selection method. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Check the Type of Search Help:
  
  Go to transaction SE11 (Data Dictionary).
  Enter the name of the search help you are working with and check its type.
  If it is a collective search help, you cannot assign a selection method.
  
  
  
  Modify the Search Help:
  
  If you need to use a selection method, create a new elementary search help or modify an existing one to ensure it is classified as elementary.
  If you are using a collective search help, you may need to adjust your approach and use the elementary search helps that it contains.
  
  
  
  Use the Correct Configuration:
  
  If you are trying to create a new search help, ensure that you are selecting the correct options during the creation process to define it as elementary.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Elementary Search Help: Can be created using transaction SE11 and is defined by a selection method that retrieves data from a database table or view.
  Collective Search Help: Can be created by combining multiple elementary search helps and is used when you want to provide a broader selection option to users.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on search helps and their configurations.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ES186 error and properly configure your search helps in SAP.