How To Fix UGWB017 - Key was abbreviated to &1 characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UGWB - Messages for Workbench

• Message number: 017

• Message text: Key was abbreviated to &1 characters

What causes this issue?

You entered a key that exceeds the permitted length.

System Response

The key was truncated. It retained the first &V1& characters.

How to fix this error?

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

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message UGWB017 - Key was abbreviated to &1 characters ?

  The SAP error message UGWB017, which states "Key was abbreviated to &1 characters," typically occurs in the context of data processing where a key (such as a material number, customer number, or other identifiers) exceeds the maximum length allowed by the system. This can happen in various scenarios, such as during data uploads, data transfers, or when working with certain SAP modules.
  Cause:
  
  Key Length Exceeded: The primary cause of this error is that the key being processed exceeds the defined length for that particular field in the database or application.
  Data Mapping Issues: If data is being imported or transferred from another system, the mapping of fields may not align correctly, leading to keys being truncated.
  Configuration Settings: Certain configuration settings in the SAP system may impose restrictions on key lengths.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Key Length: Verify the maximum allowed length for the key in the relevant SAP table or field. Ensure that the data being processed does not exceed this length.
  Data Validation: Before uploading or processing data, validate the keys to ensure they conform to the expected length. This can be done through data cleansing or transformation processes.
  Adjust Data Mapping: If the error occurs during data transfer from another system, review the mapping configuration to ensure that the keys are being correctly aligned and truncated appropriately.
  Modify Configuration: If applicable, consider adjusting the configuration settings in the SAP system to allow for longer keys, if this is feasible and does not violate other constraints.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance related to the module or process you are working with.
  
  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.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check the field definitions and lengths in the relevant tables.
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider using debugging tools to trace the exact point of failure and understand how the key is being processed.
  
  If the problem continues 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.