How To Fix K0168 - Maximum allowed hierarchy depth (&) exceeded

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: K0 - Error Messages for Central Controlling Routines

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Maximum allowed hierarchy depth (&) exceeded

What causes this issue?

Up to &V1& levels are allowed in group maintenance. The top node
corresponds to level 0, a node directly underneath the top node is
level 1 and so on.
You have exceeded the number of permitted levels.
This can be caused by one of the following reasons:
You want to maintain/display a group containing more than &V1& levels.
You inserted a group which resulted in the permitted number of levels
being exceeded.

System Response

Processing is terminated.

How to fix this error?

First check whether you need a group with more than &V1& levels. Groups
with a large number of levels can lead to long runtimes when processing
other transactions.
To process groups with more than &V1& levels, maintain a lower level
using group maintenance.
&NOTE&
Consistency checks (whether values only exist once in the group) are
performed within current maintenance. When maintaining sub-groups,
inconsistencies may arise between the sub-group and the overall group.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message K0168 - Maximum allowed hierarchy depth (&) exceeded ?

  The SAP error message K0168, which states "Maximum allowed hierarchy depth (&) exceeded," typically occurs in the context of SAP Controlling (CO) when working with cost center hierarchies or other hierarchical structures. This error indicates that the hierarchy you are trying to use has exceeded the maximum allowed depth defined in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Hierarchy Depth Exceeded: The error is triggered when the depth of the hierarchy exceeds the maximum limit set in the system configuration. This can happen if you have created a very deep hierarchy structure with too many levels.
  Configuration Settings: The maximum depth for hierarchies is defined in the system settings, and it may vary based on the specific SAP version or configuration.
  Data Structure: If the data structure you are trying to process has too many nested levels, it can lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Hierarchy Structure: Check the hierarchy structure you are using. If it is too deep, consider flattening the hierarchy by reducing the number of levels.
  Adjust Configuration: If necessary, consult with your SAP Basis or configuration team to see if the maximum allowed hierarchy depth can be increased. This may involve changing settings in the system configuration.
  Use Alternative Structures: If the hierarchy is inherently complex, consider using alternative structures or methods to represent the data without exceeding the depth limit.
  Testing: After making changes, test the hierarchy to ensure that it functions correctly and does not trigger the error again.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or patches related to this error. SAP frequently updates its documentation and may have specific recommendations for your version.
  Documentation: Review the SAP documentation related to Controlling and hierarchy management for best practices on designing hierarchies.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.