How To Fix TB383 - Output terminated owing to insufficient record length

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: TB - SM31 table maintenance messages

• Message number: 383

• Message text: Output terminated owing to insufficient record 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 TB383 - Output terminated owing to insufficient record length ?

  The SAP error message TB383, which states "Output terminated owing to insufficient record length," typically occurs when there is an issue with the data being processed for output, particularly in the context of forms or print layouts. This error can arise in various scenarios, such as when generating invoices, purchase orders, or other documents.
  Cause:
  
  Insufficient Record Length: The error indicates that the data being sent to the output device (like a printer or a PDF generator) does not have enough length to accommodate the expected output format. This can happen if the data structure defined in the SAP system does not match the data being processed.
  Incorrect Form Layout: If the form layout (SmartForms, SAPscript, or Adobe Forms) is not correctly defined or if it expects more data than what is being provided, it can lead to this error.
  Data Truncation: If the data being processed is truncated or not fully populated, it may not meet the required length for the output.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the output device or the settings in the SAP system that lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Form Layout: Review the form layout (SmartForms, SAPscript, or Adobe Forms) to ensure that it is correctly defined and that all fields are properly mapped to the data being processed.
  Verify Data Length: Ensure that the data being sent to the output is complete and meets the expected length requirements. You may need to check the data source or the program generating the output.
  Adjust Output Device Settings: Check the configuration of the output device in SAP (transaction SPAD) to ensure that it is set up correctly and can handle the expected output format.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can debug the program that generates the output to identify where the data length issue is occurring.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific output type you are working with, as there may be known issues or additional configuration steps required.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like SMARTFORMS, SE71 (SAPscript), or SFP (Adobe Forms) to access and modify the form layouts.
  SAP Notes: Check for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Community Forums: SAP Community and other forums can be helpful for finding similar issues faced by other users and the solutions they implemented.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.