How To Fix FLE_TOOLS000 - Before deactivating, you must shorten the length of the material number.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FLE_TOOLS - Messages for Field Length Extension Tools

• Message number: 000

• Message text: Before deactivating, you must shorten the length of the material number.

What causes this issue?

You are trying to deactivate the <LS>Extended Material Number
</>function for which the maximum length of the material number has been
changed to more than 18 characters.

System Response

The system only allows you to deactivate the <LS>Extended Material
Number </>function if the maximum length of the material number is less
than or equal to 18 characters.

How to fix this error?

Reduce the material number length to a maximum of 18 characters in
Customizing under <LS>Logistics General -> Material Master -> Basic
Settings -> Define Output Format of Material Numbers</>.

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 FLE_TOOLS000 - Before deactivating, you must shorten the length of the material number. ?

  The SAP error message FLE_TOOLS000 indicates that there is an issue with the length of the material number when trying to deactivate a material in the system. This error typically arises in the context of the Flexible Logistics Execution (FLE) module, where the system requires that the material number meets certain length criteria before it can be deactivated.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the material number you are trying to deactivate exceeds the maximum allowed length for material numbers in the system. In SAP, material numbers can have a maximum length of 18 characters (in most configurations), and if the material number exceeds this length, the system will not allow you to deactivate it.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to shorten the length of the material number before attempting to deactivate it. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Identify the Material Number: Determine which material number is causing the error.
  
  
  Shorten the Material Number:
  
  If the material number is longer than the allowed length, you will need to create a new material number that adheres to the length restrictions.
  You can do this by either:
  
  Renaming the material number to a shorter version that still meets your business requirements.
  Creating a new material with the desired attributes and then deactivating the old material.
  
  
  
  
  
  Deactivate the Material: Once you have a valid material number that meets the length requirements, you can proceed to deactivate the material.
  
  
  Check Configuration: If you frequently encounter this issue, it may be worth reviewing your material number configuration settings in SAP to ensure they align with your business processes.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Material Master Data: Understanding how material master data is structured in SAP can help prevent similar issues in the future.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any updates or patches related to material number handling in your version of SAP.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to material master data.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's SAP guidelines for best practices on managing material numbers.
  
  If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.