How To Fix FDT_EXCEL_API021 - Import failed; cells (row, colum) contain more than 254 characters: &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FDT_EXCEL_API - Messages related to SFDT_EXCEL_API Package

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Import failed; cells (row, colum) contain more than 254 characters: &1

What causes this issue?

You have tried to import data from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet into
the current decision table. However, the spreadsheet contains string
values in one or more cells that exceed the maximum length of 254
characters that BRFplus can handle in elementary data objects of type
text during the import. The affected cells in the spreadsheet are (row,
column):
&v1&

System Response

The spreadsheet data import is canceled. The decision table data remains
unchanged.

How to fix this error?

Check the affected cells in the spreadsheet that you want to import.
Cells containing strings of unusual length are likely to contain
descriptive data rather than technical IDs. This might give you a chance
to find suitable abbreviations for the cell content so that it fits into
the 254-characters limitation. If that is not possible, you can maybe
redesign the spreadsheet and distribute the cell content over two cells
instead of keeping it in only one cell.

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 FDT_EXCEL_API021 - Import failed; cells (row, colum) contain more than 254 characters: &1 ?

  The SAP error message FDT_EXCEL_API021 indicates that there is an issue with importing data from an Excel file into SAP. Specifically, this error occurs when one or more cells in the Excel file contain more than 254 characters. This is a limitation in certain SAP data structures and can lead to import failures.
  Cause:
  
  The error is triggered when the data being imported from Excel exceeds the character limit of 254 characters for a specific field in SAP. This is common when dealing with text fields that are not designed to handle long strings.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Excel File:
  
  Open the Excel file that you are trying to import.
  Identify the specific cells that contain more than 254 characters. You can use Excel's "LEN" function to check the length of the text in each cell.
  
  
  
  Modify the Data:
  
  If possible, shorten the text in the affected cells to ensure that they do not exceed the 254-character limit.
  Alternatively, consider splitting the data across multiple cells if it is necessary to retain all the information.
  
  
  
  Adjust SAP Data Structure (if applicable):
  
  If you have control over the SAP data structure and it is feasible, consider increasing the character limit for the relevant fields in SAP. This may require development work and should be done in consultation with your SAP technical team.
  
  
  
  Re-attempt the Import:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments to the Excel file, try importing the data again.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or documentation that may provide additional guidance on handling this error or increasing field limits.
  Data Import Tools: If you are using a specific tool or transaction for data import (like LSMW, BAPIs, or custom programs), ensure that you are following the correct procedures and that the tool is configured properly.
  Testing: Always test the import with a small dataset first to ensure that the changes resolve the issue before attempting a larger import.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the FDT_EXCEL_API021 error and successfully import your data into SAP.