How To Fix TB551 - Only updates were carried out, no inserts/deletes

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: TB - SM31 table maintenance messages

• Message number: 551

• Message text: Only updates were carried out, no inserts/deletes

What causes this issue?

Only updates are permitted for this view. Inserts and deletes are not
permitted.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message TB551 - Only updates were carried out, no inserts/deletes ?

  The SAP error message TB551, which states "Only updates were carried out, no inserts/deletes," typically occurs during data manipulation operations in SAP, particularly when using transaction codes that involve database updates, such as SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE16 (Data Browser), or during data uploads.
  Cause:
  This message indicates that the operation you attempted to perform (like an upload or a batch input session) did not result in any new records being inserted into the database or any existing records being deleted. Instead, only updates to existing records were made. This can happen for several reasons:
  
  Data Already Exists: The records you are trying to insert may already exist in the database, leading to only updates being performed.
  Key Violations: If the data being inserted violates primary key constraints, the system will not insert new records.
  Incorrect Logic in Upload: The logic in the upload program or batch input session may be set up to only update existing records.
  Filters Applied: If there are filters or conditions applied in the data selection, it may result in no new records being identified for insertion.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, consider the following steps:
  
  Check Existing Data: Verify if the records you are trying to insert already exist in the database. You can do this by querying the database table directly.
  Review Upload Logic: If you are using a custom upload program or batch input session, review the logic to ensure it is set up correctly to handle inserts as well as updates.
  Examine Key Fields: Ensure that the key fields in your data match the expected format and values in the database. If there are discrepancies, the system will not perform inserts.
  Adjust Filters: If you are using any filters in your data selection, ensure they are not overly restrictive, preventing new records from being identified for insertion.
  Check for Errors: Look for any other error messages or logs that might provide additional context on why inserts are not occurring.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes like SE11, SE16, SM37 (for job monitoring), and ST22 (for dumps) to troubleshoot further.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message. Sometimes, there may be patches or updates that address specific scenarios.
  Data Dictionary: Understanding the structure of the database tables involved can help in diagnosing issues related to data integrity and constraints.
  Testing: If possible, test the data upload in a development or quality assurance environment before applying it to production to ensure that the logic works as expected.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the TB551 error and implement a solution to resolve it.