How To Fix /SCMB/ORDER316 - Purchase order number is too long

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SCMB/ORDER -

• Message number: 316

• Message text: Purchase order number is too long

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 /SCMB/ORDER316 - Purchase order number is too long ?

  The SAP error message /SCMB/ORDER316 indicating that the "Purchase order number is too long" typically arises when the purchase order number exceeds the maximum length defined in the system. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when integrating with external systems or when manually entering data.
  Cause:
  
  Length Exceedance: The purchase order number exceeds the maximum character limit set in the SAP system. The standard length for a purchase order number in SAP is usually 10 characters, but this can vary based on configuration.
  Data Entry Error: Users may inadvertently enter a longer purchase order number than allowed.
  Integration Issues: If data is being transferred from an external system, the purchase order number may not conform to the expected length.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Configuration: Verify the maximum length of the purchase order number in the relevant configuration settings. This can be done in the customizing settings of the SAP system.
  Data Validation: Implement validation checks in the user interface or integration layer to ensure that the purchase order number does not exceed the allowed length before submission.
  Truncate or Modify Input: If the purchase order number is being generated from an external system, consider truncating or modifying the input to fit within the allowed length.
  User Training: Educate users on the correct format and length of purchase order numbers to prevent manual entry errors.
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in the integration process to catch and manage this error gracefully.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check the table definitions and field lengths related to purchase orders.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for guidelines on purchase order number formats and best practices for data entry and integration.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant for further investigation.