How To Fix RS_DB_DB6396 - Index width is &1, and index size limit is &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RS_DB_DB6 - DB6-Specific Messages in SAP BW

• Message number: 396

• Message text: Index width is &1, and index size limit is &2

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RS_DB_DB6396 - Index width is &1, and index size limit is &2 ?

  The SAP error message RS_DB_DB6396 indicates that there is an issue with the width of an index in the database. Specifically, it means that the width of the index exceeds the maximum allowed size for an index in the database system. This can occur in various scenarios, particularly when dealing with large data sets or when the structure of the database tables has been modified.
  Cause:
  The error is typically caused by one of the following:
  
  Index Width Exceeds Limit: The combined width of the fields included in the index exceeds the maximum size limit set by the database. Different databases have different limits for index sizes.
  Data Type Changes: Changes in the data types of the fields included in the index can lead to an increase in the index width.
  Table Structure Changes: Modifications to the table structure, such as adding new fields to the index or changing existing fields, can also result in exceeding the index size limit.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the RS_DB_DB6396 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Review Index Definition: Check the definition of the index that is causing the error. Identify the fields included in the index and their respective data types and sizes.
  
  
  Reduce Index Width:
  
  Remove Unnecessary Fields: If there are fields in the index that are not essential for query performance, consider removing them from the index.
  Use Shorter Data Types: If possible, change the data types of the fields to shorter types (e.g., from VARCHAR to CHAR, or from larger numeric types to smaller ones).
  
  
  
  Create a New Index: If the existing index cannot be modified to fit within the size limits, consider creating a new index with a different set of fields that meets the requirements.
  
  
  Database-Specific Solutions: Depending on the database system you are using (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, etc.), there may be specific configurations or settings that can be adjusted to accommodate larger indexes. Consult the database documentation for guidance.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  Test Changes: After making changes to the index, test the performance of the queries that rely on the index to ensure that they are still efficient.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Database Documentation: Refer to the documentation for your specific database system to understand the limits and best practices for index creation.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have implemented.
  Performance Monitoring: After resolving the issue, monitor the performance of the affected queries to ensure that the changes have not negatively impacted performance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RS_DB_DB6396 error and ensure that your indexes are within the acceptable limits for your database system.