How To Fix HRPIQ000246 - Printing is not possible; number of columns exceeds 255

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: HRPIQ000 - Messages in Development Class PMIQ

• Message number: 246

• Message text: Printing is not possible; number of columns exceeds 255

What causes this issue?

The report specifies a value <ls>greater than 255</> for the number of
columns.
Printouts of this size cannot be initiated from the selection screen.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message HRPIQ000246 - Printing is not possible; number of columns exceeds 255 ?

  The SAP error message HRPIQ000246 indicates that there is an issue with printing a document because the number of columns in the output exceeds the maximum limit of 255 columns. This is a common issue when dealing with reports or forms that are generated in SAP, particularly in the context of HR (Human Resources) or other modules that may generate wide output.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the report or form you are trying to print has more than 255 columns defined in its layout. This can happen if:
  
  The report is designed to include too many fields or columns.
  The data being pulled into the report is extensive and exceeds the column limit.
  The layout of the report/form is not optimized for the data being displayed.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, you can consider the following solutions:
  
  
  Reduce the Number of Columns:
  
  Review the report layout and remove any unnecessary columns. Focus on the most relevant data that needs to be printed.
  If possible, split the report into multiple sections or pages to reduce the number of columns in each section.
  
  
  
  Modify the Report Layout:
  
  If you are using SAP Smart Forms or SAPscript, you may need to adjust the layout to ensure it does not exceed the column limit.
  Consider using sub-reports or summary sections that condense the information.
  
  
  
  Use Alternative Output Formats:
  
  If the report is too wide for standard printing, consider exporting the report to a different format (like Excel or PDF) where the column limit may not apply in the same way.
  You can also try to print the report in landscape orientation if it is currently set to portrait.
  
  
  
  Check for Customizations:
  
  If there are custom developments or enhancements in the report, review them to ensure they are not inadvertently adding excessive columns.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or support for specific guidelines on handling wide reports and forms.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance on handling wide reports.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have implemented.
  Testing: After making changes, test the report thoroughly to ensure that it meets business requirements and that the output is as expected.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the HRPIQ000246 error and successfully print your report or form.