How To Fix /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT016 - Field PreferredCommunicationLanguage is longer than 2 digits

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT -

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Field PreferredCommunicationLanguage is longer than 2 digits

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT016 - Field PreferredCommunicationLanguage is longer than 2 digits ?

  The SAP error message /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT016 indicates that the field PreferredCommunicationLanguage is expected to contain a value that is limited to 2 characters (typically representing a language code, such as "EN" for English, "DE" for German, etc.), but the value being provided exceeds this length.
  Cause:
  
  Data Entry Error: The value entered for the PreferredCommunicationLanguage field may have been incorrectly inputted, possibly due to a typo or misunderstanding of the required format.
  Data Migration Issues: If data was migrated from another system, the source data might not have adhered to the 2-character limit, leading to this error.
  Configuration Issues: There may be a misconfiguration in the system that allows for longer values to be entered or processed.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input Values: Review the value being entered for the PreferredCommunicationLanguage field. Ensure it is a valid 2-character language code.
  Data Correction: If the value is incorrect, update it to a valid 2-character code. This can typically be done in the relevant infotype or data entry screen.
  Data Migration Review: If this error arises from a data migration process, review the migration scripts or data mapping to ensure that only valid 2-character codes are being transferred.
  System Configuration: If the issue persists, check the configuration settings in the SAP system to ensure that the field is correctly defined to accept only 2-character values.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Language Codes: Familiarize yourself with the standard language codes used in SAP. Common examples include:
  
  EN - English
  DE - German
  FR - French
  ES - Spanish
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on the specific infotype or module you are working with, as it may provide additional context on valid values and configurations.
  Transaction Codes: Use relevant transaction codes (like PA30 for maintaining HR master data) to access and correct employee data.
  
  If the problem continues after these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant who can provide deeper insights into the system's configuration and data handling.