How To Fix GX218 - You have selected unsorted archiving; See long text for disadvantages

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GX - Archiving/Reorganization

• Message number: 218

• Message text: You have selected unsorted archiving; See long text for disadvantages

What causes this issue?

You have selected <ZH>unsorted archiving</> as the archiving type. This
type of archiving has several disadvantages, and you should not use it
if possible.

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?

Check your entries for the archiving type. If possible, selected a
<ZH>sorted archiving</> type.
Read the F1 help on radio buttion <ZH>Sorted archiving</> and
<ZH>Unsorted archiving</> for additional information.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GX218 - You have selected unsorted archiving; See long text for disadvantages ?

  The SAP error message GX218 indicates that you have selected unsorted archiving, which can lead to various disadvantages in terms of performance and data retrieval. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information regarding this error message:
  Cause:
  The error message GX218 is triggered when you attempt to archive data in an unsorted manner. In SAP, archiving is typically done in a sorted manner to ensure that the archived data can be retrieved efficiently. Unsorted archiving can lead to issues such as:
  
  Increased time for data retrieval.
  Difficulty in managing and maintaining archived data.
  Potential performance degradation in the system.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the GX218 error, you should consider the following steps:
  
  
  Select Sorted Archiving: 
  
  When setting up the archiving process, ensure that you select the option for sorted archiving instead of unsorted. This will help maintain the integrity and performance of the archived data.
  
  
  
  Review Archiving Settings:
  
  Check the archiving settings in your SAP system. You can do this by navigating to the relevant transaction codes (like SARA for archiving) and ensuring that the parameters are set correctly.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to the SAP documentation or help files related to archiving to understand the implications of unsorted archiving and the best practices for data management.
  
  
  
  Test Archiving Process:
  
  Before executing the archiving process in a production environment, test it in a development or quality assurance environment to ensure that it behaves as expected.
  
  
  
  Seek Expert Advice:
  
  If you are unsure about the archiving process or the implications of your settings, consider consulting with an SAP Basis administrator or an SAP consultant who specializes in data archiving.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Archiving Process: Understand the overall archiving process in SAP, including the importance of data retention policies and compliance with legal requirements.
  Performance Considerations: Be aware of how archiving impacts system performance and the importance of maintaining a well-structured archive.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or updates related to archiving and error GX218.
  
  By following these steps and understanding the implications of unsorted archiving, you can effectively address the GX218 error and ensure a more efficient archiving process in your SAP system.