How To Fix MC089 - Enter a suitable data element for substrings

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MC - Aggregate: views, matchcodes, lock objects

• Message number: 089

• Message text: Enter a suitable data element for substrings

What causes this issue?

A matchcode field is to be defined as a component field of the original
field by specifying the offset and length. A data element
whose data type corresponds to the original field and whose
length corresponds to that of the matchcode field must be defined.

System Response

The system requires that you specify a suitable data element.

How to fix this error?

Specify an (active) data element or let the system automatically create
a suitable data element (function <LS>Data element -> Create </> in the
<LS>Edit</> menu of the matchcode ID maintenance screen).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MC089 - Enter a suitable data element for substrings ?

  The SAP error message MC089, which states "Enter a suitable data element for substrings," typically occurs in the context of defining or modifying a data structure, particularly when working with data elements and fields in the SAP system. This error indicates that the system expects a valid data element to be specified for a substring, but it has not been provided or is incorrect.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Data Element: The substring definition does not have an associated data element.
  Incorrect Data Element: The data element specified is not suitable for the substring, possibly due to type mismatches or length issues.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues in the configuration of the data structure or the way substrings are defined.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the MC089 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Substring Definition:
  
  Go to the transaction where you are defining the substring (e.g., in the data element or structure definition).
  Ensure that each substring has a valid data element associated with it.
  
  
  
  Select a Suitable Data Element:
  
  If a data element is missing, select an appropriate one that matches the expected data type and length for the substring.
  You can use the data dictionary (transaction SE11) to find suitable data elements.
  
  
  
  Review Data Types and Lengths:
  
  Ensure that the data element you are using is compatible with the substring's requirements. Check the data type (CHAR, NUMC, etc.) and length.
  
  
  
  Check for Configuration Errors:
  
  If you are working with custom developments, ensure that the underlying structures and data elements are correctly defined and activated.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about which data element to use, refer to SAP documentation or consult with a colleague who has experience with the specific module or area you are working in.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the configuration to ensure that the error is resolved and that the system behaves as expected.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE80 (Object Navigator), SE37 (Function Module), and SE38 (ABAP Program).
  Data Elements: These are defined in the Data Dictionary and are used to define the characteristics of fields in tables and structures.
  Substrings: In SAP, substrings are often used to define parts of a string or to manipulate string data.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or ABAP development team for further assistance.