How To Fix M&156 - For technical reasons, no more than & tables may be selected

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M& -

• Message number: 156

• Message text: For technical reasons, no more than & tables may be selected

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M&156 - For technical reasons, no more than & tables may be selected ?

  The SAP error message M&156 indicates that a limit has been reached regarding the number of database tables that can be selected in a particular operation. This is a technical restriction within the SAP system, often encountered when performing operations that involve multiple database tables, such as in reports, queries, or data extraction processes.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because SAP has a predefined limit on the number of tables that can be joined or selected in a single query or operation. This limit is in place to ensure system performance and stability, as joining too many tables can lead to complex queries that may degrade performance or cause resource issues.
  Solution:
  To resolve the M&156 error, consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Reduce the Number of Tables: Review the query or operation you are attempting to perform and try to reduce the number of tables involved. This may involve:
  
  Simplifying the query.
  Breaking the operation into smaller parts that involve fewer tables.
  Using subqueries or temporary tables to handle data in stages.
  
  
  
  Optimize the Query: If you are using a custom report or query, optimize it to minimize the number of tables being accessed. This can include:
  
  Removing unnecessary joins.
  Filtering data earlier in the query process.
  
  
  
  Use Views: If applicable, consider creating database views that encapsulate the logic of multiple tables. This can help reduce the complexity of your queries.
  
  
  Check for Updates: Ensure that your SAP system is up to date. Sometimes, newer versions of SAP may have improved handling for such operations.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific transaction or operation you are performing. There may be specific recommendations or best practices for handling large queries.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot find a suitable workaround, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They may provide insights specific to your system configuration or version.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Performance Tuning: Familiarize yourself with performance tuning techniques in SAP, as optimizing database access can help prevent such errors.
  Database Limits: Understand the limits imposed by your specific database system (e.g., Oracle, HANA, etc.) as they may also have their own constraints on joins and selections.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the M&156 error and improve the performance of your SAP queries.