How To Fix W8525 - An old combined field restriction exists and is being loaded.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W8 - Workflow: Expressions, data flow

• Message number: 525

• Message text: An old combined field restriction exists and is being loaded.

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8525 - An old combined field restriction exists and is being loaded. ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8525 – An old combined field restriction exists and is being loaded.
  
  Cause
  This warning message typically occurs in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI systems when an old combined field restriction (also known as a combined characteristic restriction) is detected during the loading or processing of data. 
  What is a combined field restriction?
  
  In SAP BW, combined field restrictions are used in queries or transformations to restrict data based on a combination of characteristic values. Over time, the way these restrictions are handled or stored may have changed due to system upgrades or changes in data models.
  The message indicates that the system has found an outdated or legacy combined field restriction in the data or metadata being processed. This old restriction format is still being loaded for compatibility reasons but may not be fully supported or optimal.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During data load processes (e.g., InfoPackage, DTP) when old combined restrictions exist in the source or transformation.
  When queries or transformations contain combined characteristic restrictions created in older SAP BW versions.
  After system upgrades or transport of objects from older SAP BW versions.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Review and Update Restrictions:
  
  Identify the queries, transformations, or InfoProviders where the combined field restrictions exist.
  Open the affected queries or transformations in the SAP BW Query Designer or Transformation Editor.
  Remove or recreate the combined characteristic restrictions using the current SAP BW tools and standards.
  Save and activate the updated objects.
  
  
  
  Check for System Notes and Patches:
  
  Sometimes SAP releases notes or patches to handle legacy combined restrictions better.
  Check SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes related to message W8525 or combined field restrictions.
  
  
  
  Data Model Review:
  
  If combined restrictions are part of the data model, consider redesigning or simplifying the restrictions.
  Use standard characteristic restrictions or filters instead of combined restrictions if possible.
  
  
  
  Ignore if Non-Critical:
  
  Since W8525 is a warning (not an error), if the system functions correctly and data loads as expected, you may choose to monitor but not immediately act.
  However, it is recommended to clean up old restrictions to avoid future issues.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP BW Query Designer: Tool to create and maintain queries and restrictions.
  Combined Characteristic Restrictions: Restrictions that combine multiple characteristic values in a single filter condition.
  SAP Notes: Search for notes related to "combined field restriction" or message W8525 on the SAP Support Portal.
  System Upgrade Impact: Old combined restrictions may not be fully compatible with newer SAP BW versions.
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  RSRT – Query Monitor (to check queries)  
  RSA1 – Data Warehousing Workbench (to check InfoProviders and transformations)
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Old/legacy combined characteristic restrictions detected during data load or query run.
  
  
  Effect
  Warning message W8525; system loads old restriction format for compatibility.
  
  
  Solution
  Review and update queries/transformations to remove or recreate combined restrictions.
  
  
  Additional
  Check SAP Notes; consider system upgrade impacts; monitor if non-critical.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help identifying the exact object causing the warning or steps to update the restrictions, please provide more details about the process or objects involved.