How To Fix WSTRN037 - Generic article number exceeds the maximum number of characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSTRN - Message for Prepack Creation and Planning Dialog

• Message number: 037

• Message text: Generic article number exceeds the maximum number of characters

What causes this issue?

The three-character prepack suffix cannot be added to the generic
article number for lack of sufficient space.

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?

Contact your SAP System Administrator to implement the appropriate
BAdI.

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 WSTRN037 - Generic article number exceeds the maximum number of characters ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WSTRN037: Generic article number exceeds the maximum number of characters:
  
  Error Message
  WSTRN037: Generic article number exceeds the maximum number of characters
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when the generic article number (often used in SAP Retail or SAP IS-Retail scenarios) exceeds the allowed length defined in the system. The generic article number is typically a key or identifier for articles/products, and SAP enforces a maximum length for this field.
  
  The field length for the generic article number is limited by the data element or domain definition in the SAP data dictionary.
  When an input or generated generic article number is longer than this maximum length, the system throws this error.
  This can happen during article master data creation, data migration, or integration processes where article numbers are generated or transferred.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the length of the generic article number:
  
  Verify the length of the generic article number you are trying to enter or process.
  Ensure it does not exceed the maximum allowed length (usually 18 characters, but this depends on your system configuration).
  
  
  
  Adjust the generic article number:
  
  Shorten the generic article number to fit within the allowed length.
  If the generic article number is generated automatically, review the generation logic to ensure it produces valid lengths.
  
  
  
  Review Data Dictionary definitions:
  
  Check the data element/domain for the generic article number field (e.g., in transaction SE11).
  Confirm the maximum length allowed.
  If business requirements demand longer article numbers, you may need to extend the length of the field (this requires careful impact analysis and transport).
  
  
  
  Check integration or interface programs:
  
  If the error occurs during data transfer (e.g., from external systems or interfaces), validate the source data.
  Implement truncation or validation logic before sending data to SAP.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WSTRN037 for any patches or known issues.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  Article master maintenance: MM02, MM01 (for Retail articles)
  Data dictionary: SE11
  Debugging or checking error logs: ST22, SM21
  
  
  
  SAP Modules:
  
  SAP Retail (IS-Retail)
  SAP Materials Management (MM)
  
  
  
  Data Element/Domain:
  
  The generic article number field is often linked to a specific data element like GEN_ARTICLE_NO or similar, which defines the length.
  
  
  
  Typical Length:
  
  Usually, the generic article number length is limited to 18 characters, but this can vary.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  Generic article number exceeds max length
  
  
  Cause
  Input generic article number too long
  
  
  Solution
  Shorten article number or extend field length
  
  
  Check
  Data element/domain length, input data
  
  
  Module
  SAP Retail / MM
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context (e.g., transaction, process step), I can help with more tailored advice.