How To Fix VC001 - The product hierarchy is too long, please shorten it

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VC - SD Customizing

• Message number: 001

• Message text: The product hierarchy is too long, please shorten it

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 VC001 - The product hierarchy is too long, please shorten it ?

  The SAP error message VC001, which states "The product hierarchy is too long, please shorten it," typically occurs when the product hierarchy assigned to a material or product exceeds the maximum allowed length defined in the system. This can happen in various SAP modules, particularly in Sales and Distribution (SD) or Material Management (MM).
  Cause:
  
  Exceeding Character Limit: The product hierarchy in SAP has a defined maximum length (usually 40 characters). If the hierarchy string exceeds this limit, the error will be triggered.
  Configuration Issues: The product hierarchy may have been incorrectly configured or entered, leading to an excessively long string.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual entry errors during the creation or modification of product hierarchies can lead to longer-than-allowed entries.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Shorten the Product Hierarchy:
  
  Review the product hierarchy assigned to the material or product.
  Edit the hierarchy to ensure it does not exceed the maximum character limit. This may involve abbreviating terms or restructuring the hierarchy.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration Settings:
  
  If you have access to the configuration settings, check the settings for the product hierarchy in the relevant SAP module (e.g., SD or MM).
  Ensure that the hierarchy levels are appropriately defined and that the overall length adheres to the system's constraints.
  
  
  
  Data Validation:
  
  Implement validation checks during data entry to prevent users from entering hierarchies that exceed the character limit.
  Consider using dropdowns or predefined lists to limit user input to acceptable values.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on product hierarchy configuration and limitations.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the entry again to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any updates or patches related to this error message. Sometimes, SAP releases notes that provide additional context or solutions for specific issues.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes (e.g., MM01 for material creation, or VD01 for customer master data) where you might encounter this error.
  User Training: Provide training for users on how to correctly enter product hierarchies to minimize the risk of encountering this error in the future.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the error and implementing preventive measures, you can effectively resolve the VC001 error and improve data integrity within your SAP system.