How To Fix OL355 - Field too long when writing container element &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: OL - Workflow object types: Run-time system

• Message number: 355

• Message text: Field too long when writing container element &

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message OL355 - Field too long when writing container element & ?

  The SAP error message OL355, which states "Field too long when writing container element &," typically occurs when there is an attempt to write data to a container element (like a structure or table) that exceeds the defined length of that element. This can happen in various contexts, such as during data processing, data transfer, or when populating data structures in ABAP programs.
  Cause:
  
  Data Length Exceeds Definition: The most common cause is that the data being written to a field or container element exceeds the maximum length defined for that field in the data structure.
  Incorrect Data Mapping: If there is a mismatch between the source data length and the target field length, this error can occur.
  Data Transformation Issues: During data transformation processes (like using BAPIs, IDocs, or other interfaces), if the data is not properly validated or truncated, it can lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Field Lengths: Review the definitions of the fields in the data structure or container element. Ensure that the data being written does not exceed the defined length.
  Data Validation: Implement validation checks before writing data to ensure that the length of the data being processed is within acceptable limits.
  Truncate Data: If appropriate, truncate the data to fit the defined length of the field. However, be cautious with this approach as it may lead to loss of important information.
  Adjust Data Structure: If the data being processed legitimately requires a longer length, consider adjusting the data structure to accommodate the larger data size.
  Debugging: Use debugging tools in SAP to trace the point of failure and inspect the data being processed at that moment. This can help identify the specific field causing the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Development: If you are working with ABAP, familiarize yourself with data types and their lengths. Use appropriate data types (like CHAR, STRING, etc.) based on the expected data.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. Sometimes, specific versions of SAP may have bugs that are documented in SAP Notes.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for the specific module or function you are working with to understand the expected data formats and lengths.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the OL355 error and implement a suitable solution.