How To Fix PN041 - Freely-defined delimitation and search helps not permitted simultaneously

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PN -

• Message number: 041

• Message text: Freely-defined delimitation and search helps not permitted simultaneously

What causes this issue?

The dynamic selections and the search help access path must not be run
simultaneously. Use only one of the two options.

System Response

If you have called up the report using SUBMIT, only the dynamic
selection entries are taken into account. The entries for the search
help are ignored.

How to fix this error?

Use either dynamic selections or access using the search help.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PN041 - Freely-defined delimitation and search helps not permitted simultaneously ?

  The SAP error message PN041, which states "Freely-defined delimitation and search helps not permitted simultaneously," typically occurs when there is a conflict in the way that search helps and delimitations are being used in a particular context within SAP.
  Cause:
  This error arises when a user attempts to use both freely-defined delimitations and search helps at the same time in a selection screen or a report. Freely-defined delimitations allow users to specify their own criteria for filtering data, while search helps provide predefined options for users to select from. The system does not allow both methods to be used simultaneously because it can lead to ambiguity in the data selection process.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Selection Screen Configuration: Review the configuration of the selection screen or report where the error occurs. Ensure that you are not trying to use both freely-defined delimitations and search helps for the same field.
  
  
  Modify the Selection Criteria: If you need to use a search help for a field, remove any freely-defined delimitations associated with that field. Conversely, if you want to use freely-defined delimitations, ensure that no search help is assigned to that field.
  
  
  Adjust Field Properties: In the ABAP Dictionary (SE11), check the properties of the fields in question. Make sure that the field definitions do not conflict with the intended use of delimitations and search helps.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about how to configure the selection screen or the fields, refer to SAP documentation or consult with a technical consultant who has experience with SAP ABAP programming.
  
  
  Testing: After making the necessary adjustments, test the selection screen or report again to ensure that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message. Sometimes, there may be known issues or fixes provided by SAP.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  ABAP Development: If you are a developer, familiarize yourself with the concepts of selection screens, search helps, and delimitations in ABAP programming to avoid similar issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PN041 error and ensure that your selection screens function as intended.