How To Fix KH817 - Too many line items (costing-based/as posted)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KH - CO-PA Reporting

• Message number: 817

• Message text: Too many line items (costing-based/as posted)

What causes this issue?

You have not restricted the selection criteria enough for the system to
read according to the current structure.

System Response

This could lead to long runtimes, possibly of several hours.

How to fix this error?

Consider whether the line items should be read anyway.

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

Recommendation:
For actual data:
Enter a record type and period/year or record type and reference
document number. SAP supplies indexes for these combinations.
For plan data:
Enter a record type and a version, or enter a reference document number
(indexes exist already).
You can also reduce the runtime further by entering additional
selection criteria.
In general, you should observe the following:
If you want to analyze other combinations of characteristics on a
regular basis, have your system administrator create appropriate
indexes for the actual (CE1xxxx) and plan (CE2xxxx) line item tables
(xxxx = operating concern).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KH817 - Too many line items (costing-based/as posted) ?

  The SAP error message KH817 ("Too many line items (costing-based/as posted)") typically occurs in the context of Costing-based Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) when the system encounters a limit on the number of line items that can be processed or displayed. This can happen during various operations, such as when trying to display reports or perform calculations that involve a large volume of data.
  Cause:
  
  Line Item Limit: SAP has a predefined limit on the number of line items that can be processed in a single operation. This limit is often set to prevent performance issues.
  Data Volume: The error may occur if the dataset being processed exceeds the system's capacity to handle it efficiently, especially in environments with high transaction volumes.
  Configuration Settings: Certain configuration settings in the SAP system may restrict the number of line items that can be processed or displayed.
  
  Solution:
  
  Reduce Data Volume: Try to limit the data being processed by applying filters (e.g., date ranges, specific cost centers, or other criteria) to reduce the number of line items.
  Use Aggregated Reports: Instead of trying to process all line items, consider using aggregated reports that summarize the data, which can help avoid hitting the line item limit.
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings related to CO-PA and line item processing. Adjusting these settings may help accommodate larger datasets.
  Batch Processing: If applicable, consider breaking down the data into smaller batches and processing them sequentially rather than all at once.
  System Performance: Ensure that the SAP system is optimized for performance. This may involve database tuning, increasing memory allocation, or other performance enhancements.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that may address this issue or provide additional guidance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for CO-PA and line item processing for more detailed information on limits and best practices.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  Technical Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, especially if it impacts critical business processes.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the KH817 error and improve the handling of line items in your SAP environment.