How To Fix RSDA183 - Field '&1': Length shortened from &2 to &3 for type change to '&4'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSDA - BW Archiving: Messages

• Message number: 183

• Message text: Field '&1': Length shortened from &2 to &3 for type change to '&4'

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.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RSDA183 - Field '&1': Length shortened from &2 to &3 for type change to '&4' ?

  The SAP error message RSDA183 indicates that there is a discrepancy in the length of a field in a DataSource or InfoSource when there is a type change. This typically occurs during the extraction process when the field's length is being adjusted to match the new data type or structure defined in the source system.
  Cause:
  The error message RSDA183 is triggered when:
  
  A field in the DataSource has been modified in the source system, resulting in a change in its data type or length.
  The length of the field in the DataSource is being shortened to accommodate the new data type or structure.
  The system is trying to extract data from a field that has a different length than what is defined in the DataSource.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the DataSource Definition:
  
  Go to the DataSource in the SAP system and check the field definitions. Ensure that the field lengths and types match those in the source system.
  
  
  
  Adjust Field Lengths:
  
  If the field length in the source system has changed, you may need to adjust the field length in the DataSource definition to match the new length. This can be done in the DataSource maintenance transaction (e.g., RSA1).
  
  
  
  Re-activate the DataSource:
  
  After making changes to the DataSource, you may need to re-activate it. This can be done in the DataSource maintenance area.
  
  
  
  Check for Data Type Compatibility:
  
  Ensure that the data types are compatible. If the field type has changed (e.g., from CHAR to NUMC), you may need to adjust the DataSource accordingly.
  
  
  
  Test the Extraction:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, perform a test extraction to ensure that the error is resolved and that data is being extracted correctly.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the changes made in the source system, consult the relevant documentation or contact the source system administrator for clarification.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like RSA1 (Data Warehousing Workbench) to manage DataSources and InfoSources.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to DataSource changes and error RSDA183.
  Data Modeling: Understanding the data model and how changes in the source system affect the Data Warehouse can help prevent similar issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RSDA183 error and ensure that your DataSource is correctly configured for data extraction.