How To Fix GG597 - Check the cardinality and the type of the foreign key

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GG - Messages for FI-SL customizing

• Message number: 597

• Message text: Check the cardinality and the type of the foreign key

What causes this issue?

The cardinality must be C:CN. You should check off 'No key
fields/candidatates' as the foreign key type.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GG597 - Check the cardinality and the type of the foreign key ?

  The SAP error message GG597, which states "Check the cardinality and the type of the foreign key," typically occurs in the context of data modeling or database design within SAP systems, particularly when working with the Data Dictionary (DDIC) or when defining relationships between tables.
  Cause:
  
  
  Cardinality Issues: This error often arises when there is a mismatch in the expected cardinality between the primary key of the parent table and the foreign key in the child table. Cardinality refers to the nature of the relationship between two tables (e.g., one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many).
  
  
  Data Type Mismatch: The data types of the foreign key and the primary key must match. If there is a discrepancy in data types (e.g., one is an integer and the other is a string), this error can occur.
  
  
  Missing Foreign Key Definition: If a foreign key relationship is not properly defined in the Data Dictionary, it can lead to this error.
  
  
  Inconsistent Key Lengths: If the lengths of the keys do not match, it can also trigger this error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Cardinality: Review the relationship between the tables involved. Ensure that the cardinality defined in the foreign key matches the actual relationship. For example, if a parent table can have multiple child records, the foreign key should reflect a one-to-many relationship.
  
  
  Verify Data Types: Ensure that the data types of the foreign key and the corresponding primary key are the same. If they are not, you may need to adjust the data type of one of the keys.
  
  
  Define Foreign Key Properly: If the foreign key is not defined, you need to create it in the Data Dictionary. Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to define the foreign key relationship correctly.
  
  
  Check Key Lengths: Ensure that the lengths of the primary key and foreign key match. If they do not, adjust the lengths accordingly.
  
  
  Activate Changes: After making any changes, ensure that you activate the table definitions in the Data Dictionary.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE14 (Database Utility), and SE80 (Object Navigator) for managing database objects.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for detailed information on defining foreign keys and understanding cardinality.
  Testing: After making changes, test the relationships by attempting to create or modify records in the affected tables to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  If the issue persists after checking these aspects, it may be beneficial to consult with a database administrator or an SAP technical consultant for further assistance.