How To Fix /SPE/OUTB_CRM016 - Too many columns in structure, so result will be cut; use GRID instead

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SPE/OUTB_CRM -

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Too many columns in structure, so result will be cut; use GRID instead

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 /SPE/OUTB_CRM016 - Too many columns in structure, so result will be cut; use GRID instead ?

  The SAP error message /SPE/OUTB_CRM016 Too many columns in structure, so result will be cut; use GRID instead typically occurs when you are trying to display or process a large dataset in a format that exceeds the maximum number of columns allowed in a standard output structure. This is common in scenarios where you are working with SAP CRM or other SAP modules that involve data extraction and reporting.
  Cause:
  
  Exceeding Column Limit: The error indicates that the number of columns in the output structure exceeds the limit that can be displayed or processed in the current context (e.g., ALV grid, report output).
  Data Structure Design: The design of the data structure or the query may inherently include too many fields, leading to this limitation.
  Output Format: The output format being used may not support a large number of columns, which can lead to truncation of the result set.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Use GRID Output: The error message suggests using the GRID output format instead. The GRID format is designed to handle larger datasets and can accommodate more columns. You can typically switch to GRID mode in the report settings or by modifying the output options in your ABAP code.
  
  If you are using an ALV report, ensure that you are using the CL_GUI_ALV_GRID class for displaying the data, as it supports a larger number of columns.
  
  
  
  Limit the Number of Columns: If possible, review the fields being selected in your query or report and limit the number of columns to fit within the allowed limits. This may involve:
  
  Removing unnecessary fields.
  Grouping related fields into a single column if applicable.
  Using selection criteria to reduce the dataset size.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration: Ensure that the configuration settings for the report or output format are set correctly to allow for larger datasets. This may involve checking user settings or system parameters.
  
  
  Pagination: If the dataset is too large, consider implementing pagination or filtering options to allow users to view the data in smaller, more manageable chunks.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on the limitations of the output formats you are using and best practices for handling large datasets.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Performance Considerations: When dealing with large datasets, consider performance implications and optimize your queries to ensure efficient data retrieval.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to use the GRID output effectively, as it may have different functionalities compared to standard output formats.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and improve the handling of large datasets in your SAP environment.