How To Fix MC552 - The key fields of a database view must be kept together at the start

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 552

• Message text: The key fields of a database view must be kept together at the start

What causes this issue?

The key fields which you specified for the view are either not at the
beginning of the field list or are not together, i.e. there is a
non-key field between two key fields. This is not permitted for database
views (type D).

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Change the order of the fields in the field maintenance screen of the
view so that the key fields are together at the start of the field list.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MC552 - The key fields of a database view must be kept together at the start ?

  The SAP error message MC552, which states "The key fields of a database view must be kept together at the start," typically occurs when you are trying to create or modify a database view in the ABAP Dictionary (SE11) and the key fields are not positioned correctly.
  Cause:
  This error arises because, in SAP database views, the key fields must be defined at the beginning of the field list. The database view is expected to have its key fields grouped together at the start of the view definition. If the key fields are scattered or placed after non-key fields, the system will throw this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve the MC552 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Open the Database View: Go to transaction SE11 and enter the name of the database view that is causing the error.
  
  
  Check the Field Order: In the view definition, ensure that all key fields are listed at the top of the field list. The key fields should be contiguous and not interspersed with non-key fields.
  
  
  Rearrange Fields: If the key fields are not at the start, rearrange the fields so that all key fields are grouped together at the beginning of the list.
  
  
  Save and Activate: After making the necessary changes, save the view and activate it. This should resolve the error.
  
  
  Test the View: After activation, test the view to ensure it works as expected without any errors.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Key Fields: Key fields are essential for uniquely identifying records in a database view. They are typically derived from the underlying tables that the view is based on.
  Database Views: These are virtual tables that combine data from one or more tables based on a specific selection criteria. They do not store data themselves but provide a way to access data from the underlying tables.
  ABAP Dictionary: The ABAP Dictionary (transaction SE11) is where you define and manage database objects like tables, views, data elements, domains, etc.
  
  By ensuring that the key fields are correctly positioned at the start of the database view definition, you can avoid the MC552 error and successfully create or modify your database view.