How To Fix WXP164 - Length of characteristic name exceeds the allowed length of & characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WXP - Retail Planning

• Message number: 164

• Message text: Length of characteristic name exceeds the allowed length of & characters

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WXP164 - Length of characteristic name exceeds the allowed length of & characters ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WXP164:
  
  SAP Error Message: WXP164
  Text:
  
  Length of characteristic name exceeds the allowed length of & characters
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when the name of a characteristic (Merkmal) in SAP classification or variant configuration exceeds the maximum allowed length. SAP has a predefined limit on the length of characteristic names, and if you try to create or use a characteristic with a name longer than this limit, the system throws this error.
  
  The characteristic name is typically used in classification, variant configuration, or classification-based processes.
  The allowed length is usually 30 characters (depending on SAP version and context).
  This limitation is due to database field length restrictions or internal SAP naming conventions.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that the characteristic name does not exceed the allowed length:
  
  
  Shorten the Characteristic Name:
  
  Rename the characteristic to a shorter name within the allowed length.
  Use abbreviations or meaningful short forms to keep the name concise.
  
  
  
  Check Naming Conventions:
  
  Follow SAP best practices for naming characteristics.
  Avoid unnecessary prefixes or suffixes that increase length.
  
  
  
  Review Customizing or Development:
  
  If the characteristic name is generated programmatically (e.g., via user exits, BAdIs, or custom code), adjust the logic to limit the length.
  Ensure that any interfaces or data transfers respect the length limit.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes or Support:
  
  In rare cases, if you require longer names, check if SAP has provided any notes or patches that increase the allowed length.
  However, increasing the length is generally not possible due to database constraints.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CT04 – Create/Change Characteristic
  CL02 – Change Class (where characteristics are assigned)
  CU50 – Variant Configuration
  
  
  
  SAP Tables:
  
  CABN – Characteristics (contains characteristic names)
  KLAH – Class header
  KSSK – Characteristic values
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search for notes related to characteristic name length or WXP164 error.
  Example: SAP Note 123456 (hypothetical) might discuss characteristic name length limits.
  
  
  
  Additional Tips:
  
  Always validate characteristic names during creation.
  Use consistent naming standards across your SAP system to avoid such errors.
  If integrating with external systems, ensure characteristic names comply with SAP limits.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact length limit from the error message (the & placeholder), I can confirm the exact character limit for your system.
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Characteristic name exceeds allowed length (usually 30 characters).
  
  Solution: Shorten the characteristic name to within allowed length.
  
  Related: Use transactions CT04, CL02; check tables CABN, KLAH; follow SAP naming conventions.
  
  Let me know if you need help with a specific characteristic or further assistance!