How To Fix RSRB1101 - Column width exceeded 255 characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSRB1 -

• Message number: 101

• Message text: Column width exceeded 255 characters

System Response

The width of the column in the list is restricted to 255 characters.
This limit was exceeded.

What causes this issue?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Check whether you have set the option 'on every page' for a number of
characteristics. Remove this setting for one or more characteristics as
required. Another way of freeing space is to explictly set the width of
the column for the characteristics. Do so by removing the indicator
<ZK>Automatic Column Width </> and specify the column width.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RSRB1101 - Column width exceeded 255 characters ?

  The SAP error message RSRB1101, which states "Column width exceeded 255 characters," typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence) when dealing with queries or data extraction. This error indicates that one of the columns in your query or data model has a width that exceeds the maximum limit of 255 characters, which is not supported by the underlying database or the reporting tools.
  Causes:
  
  Data Model Design: The data model may have been designed with a field that allows for more than 255 characters, such as a long text field or a concatenated string.
  Query Definition: The query may be pulling in fields that have been defined with a length greater than 255 characters.
  Data Source Limitations: The source system (like an SAP ERP system) may have fields that exceed this limit, and when data is extracted, it causes the error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Review Data Model: Check the data model in the InfoObject or DataSource to ensure that no fields are defined with a length greater than 255 characters. If they are, consider redesigning the model to limit the length.
  
  
  Modify Query: If the error occurs during query execution, review the query definition in the Query Designer. Remove or replace any fields that exceed the character limit.
  
  
  Use Short Text Fields: If you are using long text fields, consider using short text fields or summarizing the data to fit within the character limit.
  
  
  Data Transformation: If necessary, implement data transformation logic to truncate or summarize long text fields before they are loaded into the BW system.
  
  
  Check Data Source: If the data is coming from an external source, ensure that the data extraction process is correctly handling long text fields. You may need to adjust the extraction logic to avoid pulling in excessively long fields.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or support notes for any specific guidelines or limitations regarding field lengths in your version of SAP BW/BI.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on handling long text fields.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  Performance Considerations: Be aware that using very long text fields can impact performance, so it's generally a good practice to limit the length of text fields in reporting scenarios.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the RSRB1101 error and successfully execute your queries or data loads.