How To Fix PN136 - Indicate the column for the sort

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PN -

• Message number: 136

• Message text: Indicate the column for the sort

What causes this issue?

You have chosen the option 'Sort', without specifying a sort column.

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?

Using the cursor select a column that is to be used for sort.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PN136 - Indicate the column for the sort ?

  The SAP error message PN136, which states "Indicate the column for the sort," typically occurs when a sorting operation is attempted in a report or transaction, but the system does not have the necessary information about which column to sort by. This can happen in various contexts, such as when using ALV (ABAP List Viewer) reports or other data display functionalities.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Sort Column Specification: The user has not specified which column to sort the data by.
  Incorrect Configuration: The report or transaction may not be properly configured to allow sorting.
  User Input Error: The user may have inadvertently skipped the step of selecting a column for sorting.
  
  Solution:
  
  Specify the Sort Column: When prompted, ensure that you select or indicate the column you wish to sort by. This may involve clicking on the column header in an ALV report or entering the column name in a sort dialog.
  Check Report Configuration: If you are developing or customizing a report, ensure that the sorting functionality is correctly implemented in the code. This may involve checking the ALV grid settings or the underlying data retrieval logic.
  Review User Instructions: If you are a user encountering this error, refer to the user manual or help documentation for the specific transaction or report to understand how to properly sort the data.
  Contact Support: If the issue persists and you believe it is a system error, consider reaching out to your SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ALV Reports: In ALV reports, sorting is typically done by clicking on the column headers. Ensure that the ALV grid is set up to allow sorting.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the specific transaction or report you are using.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to use sorting features in SAP effectively to avoid such errors in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PN136 error and successfully sort your data in SAP.