How To Fix SY356 - Input too long for internal field (length &)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

• Message number: 356

• Message text: Input too long for internal field (length &)

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 SY356 - Input too long for internal field (length &) ?

  The SAP error message SY356 indicates that an input value exceeds the maximum length allowed for a specific internal field. This can occur in various contexts, such as when entering data in a transaction, uploading data, or processing records in ABAP programs.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when the length of the input data exceeds the defined length of the corresponding field in the database or program. For example, if a field is defined to accept a maximum of 10 characters, and the user tries to input 15 characters, this error will occur.
  Solution:
  To resolve the SY356 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Field Length: Identify the field that is causing the error and check its defined length in the data dictionary (SE11) or in the relevant program code. 
  
  
  Validate Input Data: Ensure that the data being entered or processed does not exceed the maximum length. You may need to truncate or modify the input data to fit within the allowed limits.
  
  
  Modify Input Logic: If you are developing or maintaining an ABAP program, you may need to implement validation logic to check the length of input data before processing it. This can prevent the error from occurring.
  
  
  Adjust Field Length (if applicable): If the field length is too restrictive for your business needs, and if it is feasible, consider adjusting the field length in the data dictionary. Note that this may require additional considerations, such as database constraints and impacts on existing data.
  
  
  Review Custom Code: If the error occurs in a custom program, review the code to ensure that it handles input data correctly and adheres to the defined field lengths.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE80 (Object Navigator), or SE37 (Function Module) to investigate the field definitions and related objects.
  Debugging: If the error occurs in a custom program, you can use the ABAP debugger to trace the execution and identify where the input data is being processed.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to this error message.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the SY356 error and implement a suitable solution.