How To Fix KH888 - Problem with total output length in compound characteristics

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KH - CO-PA Reporting

• Message number: 888

• Message text: Problem with total output length in compound characteristics

What causes this issue?

The field length for combined characteristic is 29 bytes maximum. In
some rare instances this may not be enough.

System Response

The report was terminated.

How to fix this error?

Increase the maximum.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KH888 - Problem with total output length in compound characteristics ?

  The SAP error message KH888, which indicates a "Problem with total output length in compound characteristics," typically arises in the context of SAP's Product Costing module, particularly when dealing with characteristics in the context of variant configuration or when using compound characteristics in material master data.
  Cause:
  The error usually occurs due to one of the following reasons:
  
  
  Length Exceedance: The total output length of the compound characteristic exceeds the maximum allowed length. This can happen if the combined lengths of the individual characteristics that make up the compound characteristic exceed the defined limits in the system.
  
  
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be an issue with how the compound characteristics are configured in the system. This includes incorrect settings in the characteristic definitions or the way they are combined.
  
  
  Data Entry Errors: Sometimes, the error can be triggered by incorrect data entries or inconsistencies in the master data related to the characteristics.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the KH888 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Lengths: Review the lengths of the individual characteristics that make up the compound characteristic. Ensure that their combined length does not exceed the maximum allowed length defined in the system.
  
  
  Adjust Configuration: If the lengths are correct, check the configuration of the compound characteristics. Make sure that they are set up correctly in the system. You may need to adjust the settings in the characteristic definitions.
  
  
  Review Master Data: Inspect the material master data and any related configuration settings to ensure that there are no inconsistencies or errors in the data.
  
  
  Test Changes: After making adjustments, test the changes in a development or quality environment before moving them to production to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific version of SAP you are using for any additional guidance or updates regarding this error.
  
  
  Seek Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to characteristic configuration, such as CT04 (Create Characteristic) and CU01 (Create/Change Compound Characteristic).
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums where other users may have encountered similar issues and can share their solutions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the KH888 error in your SAP system.