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How To Fix SOTR_MESS143 - Text is longer than the space available


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: SOTR_MESS - Messages in and for the Online Text Repository

  • Message number: 143

  • Message text: Text is longer than the space available

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  • 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 SOTR_MESS143 - Text is longer than the space available ?

    The SAP error message SOTR_MESS143, which states "Text is longer than the space available," typically occurs when the text being entered or processed exceeds the maximum length allowed for a specific field or area in the SAP system. This can happen in various contexts, such as when entering long descriptions, comments, or notes in different SAP modules.

    Cause:

    1. Text Length Exceeded: The primary cause of this error is that the text you are trying to input exceeds the predefined character limit for that particular field.
    2. Field Configuration: The configuration of the field in the database or the application may have a set limit that is being surpassed.
    3. Data Transfer Issues: If data is being transferred from another system or application, it may not be properly truncated or formatted to fit the SAP field limits.

    Solution:

    1. Check Field Length: Review the field's maximum character limit in the SAP documentation or by checking the field properties in the relevant transaction. Ensure that the text you are entering does not exceed this limit.
    2. Shorten the Text: If the text exceeds the limit, consider shortening it or summarizing the information to fit within the allowed character count.
    3. Use Additional Fields: If applicable, use additional fields or notes sections to distribute the text across multiple areas instead of trying to fit everything into one field.
    4. Configuration Changes: If you have the necessary permissions and it is appropriate for your business process, you may consider adjusting the field length in the configuration settings. This typically requires access to the SAP Customizing Implementation Guide (IMG) and should be done with caution.
    5. Data Transfer Adjustments: If the error arises during data transfer, ensure that the data being sent to SAP is properly formatted and truncated to fit the required lengths.

    Related Information:

    • SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message. Sometimes, SAP releases notes that address known issues or provide guidance on handling specific error messages.
    • Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that may help you manage text fields, such as SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check field definitions or SE78 for managing text elements.
    • User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the limitations of text fields in SAP to prevent this error from occurring frequently.

    If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant for further assistance.

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