How To Fix SBD_MESSAGES020 - Description of field is too long; only 60 characters are allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SBD_MESSAGES - Messages for source based DDIC

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Description of field is too long; only 60 characters are allowed

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 SBD_MESSAGES020 - Description of field is too long; only 60 characters are allowed ?

  The SAP error message SBD_MESSAGES020 indicates that a field description you are trying to enter exceeds the maximum allowed length of 60 characters. This error typically occurs in scenarios where you are working with text fields, such as when creating or modifying messages, descriptions, or other text-based entries in SAP.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the input string for a field description exceeds the character limit set by SAP. In this case, the limit is 60 characters, and any attempt to input a longer string will trigger this error message.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should:
  
  
  Shorten the Description: Review the text you are trying to enter and reduce it to 60 characters or fewer. Focus on the most critical information that needs to be conveyed.
  
  
  Use Abbreviations: If possible, use abbreviations or acronyms to convey the same meaning in a more concise manner.
  
  
  Check for Unintentional Spaces: Sometimes, extra spaces or formatting characters can inadvertently increase the character count. Ensure that there are no unnecessary spaces at the beginning or end of your input.
  
  
  Review Documentation: If you are unsure about the content that needs to be included, refer to any relevant documentation or guidelines that may provide insight into what is necessary for the description.
  
  
  Consult with Colleagues: If you are working in a team, consult with colleagues to see if they have suggestions for how to condense the description effectively.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Field Length Limitations: Different fields in SAP have different character limits. Always check the field properties or documentation to understand the constraints.
  SAP Notes: If you encounter this error frequently in a specific context, check SAP Notes or the SAP Community for any updates or best practices related to the specific module or transaction you are using.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the character limits for various fields to prevent this error from occurring in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully enter the required information within the character limit.