How To Fix W0116 - Search criteria for long text only allowed if user exit used

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W0 - Customizing - ISR

• Message number: 116

• Message text: Search criteria for long text only allowed if user exit used

What causes this issue?

The SAP search method (using function module IAC_STANDARD_SEARCH) does
not allow searching using keywords in the product long text.
You can only enter search criteria for long texts if you use a user
exit.

System Response

The indicator for searching in long texts is deselected.

How to fix this error?

Enter a <DS:DE.W_OS_PSFMO>function module for alternative product
searches</> before selecting the indicator again.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W0116 - Search criteria for long text only allowed if user exit used ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message W0116: "Search criteria for long text only allowed if user exit used":
  
  Error Message:
  W0116 - Search criteria for long text only allowed if user exit used
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when a user tries to perform a search on long text fields using standard SAP search help or selection screens, but the system does not allow direct search criteria on long text fields unless a user exit or enhancement is implemented.
  
  Long texts in SAP are stored in special tables (e.g., STXH, STXL) and are handled differently than normal fields.
  Standard SAP search helps or selection screens do not support direct search criteria on long text fields because of the way texts are stored and indexed.
  To enable searching/filtering on long text fields, a user exit or enhancement must be implemented to handle the search logic properly.
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When you try to enter search criteria on a long text field in a selection screen or search help.
  When a custom or standard program tries to filter or search long texts without the proper user exit logic.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Implement a User Exit or BAdI:
  
  SAP provides user exits or Business Add-Ins (BAdIs) where you can implement custom logic to handle search/filter on long texts.
  For example, in some modules, you can use user exits like EXIT_SAPLSTXT_001 or BAdIs related to text search.
  The user exit should implement the logic to read and filter long texts according to the search criteria.
  
  
  
  Avoid Direct Search on Long Text Fields:
  
  If no user exit is implemented, do not use search criteria on long text fields.
  Instead, perform the search on other related fields or identifiers.
  
  
  
  Use Full-Text Search Tools (if available):
  
  Some SAP systems integrate with full-text search engines (e.g., TREX, SAP HANA Text Search) that allow searching within long texts.
  If your system supports this, configure and use these tools instead of direct selection screen criteria.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  SAP Notes may provide specific instructions or corrections related to this message for your module or scenario.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Long Text Storage: Long texts are stored in SAP in a special format and tables (STXH header, STXL lines).
  Search Help Limitations: Standard search helps do not support direct filtering on long text fields.
  User Exits/BAdIs: Custom coding is required to enable searching/filtering on long texts.
  Modules: This message can appear in various modules where long texts are used (e.g., MM, SD, PM).
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help Portal and module-specific guides for handling long texts.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to use search criteria on long text fields without implementing a user exit.
  
  
  Effect
  System issues warning W0116 and does not allow the search/filter on long text fields.
  
  
  Solution
  Implement user exit/BAdI to handle long text search or avoid using search criteria on texts.
  
  
  Additional
  Consider full-text search tools or SAP Notes for enhanced text search capabilities.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific transaction or module where you encounter this message, I can help you find the exact user exit or enhancement point to implement the solution.