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Description

Error 272 (ERR_SQL_DPLC_COLUMN) indicates that an attempt was made to create or add a column to a database table in SAP S/4HANA, but a column with the specified name already exists in that table. This typically occurs during custom development, data migration, or direct database operations.

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Error Message

ERR_SQL_DPLC_COLUMN

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Custom Development Conflict

An ABAP program or custom enhancement attempts to add a column to a table where a column with that name already exists.

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Data Import/Migration Error

During a data import or migration process, a column definition conflicts with an existing column name in the target SAP S/4HANA table.

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Manual SQL Execution

A direct SQL statement or database tool attempts to create a column with a name already present in the specified table.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Identify and Rename Duplicate Columns in Custom Development medium

Locate and rename duplicate column names within custom ABAP programs or CDS views.

1

Analyze the error message and traceback to pinpoint the specific ABAP program, CDS view, or SQL statement that is causing the duplicate column name error. This often involves looking at the context provided by the error log (e.g., ST22 for ABAP dumps, SM21 for system logs).

2

If the error originates from a custom ABAP program, review the `SELECT` statements or table definitions. Look for instances where the same column name is being selected more than once, or where a column name is duplicated within a structure or internal table definition. Use your ABAP IDE (e.g., SE80, ADT) to search for the suspected column names.

3

If the error originates from a custom CDS view, examine the `SELECT` list. Ensure that each field or derived field has a unique alias. If you are joining tables, ensure that the column names from the joined tables are either explicitly aliased or that there are no name collisions after the join.

Example of a problematic CDS view (missing alias):

@AbapCatalog.sqlViewName: 'MYVIEW'
@AbapCatalog.compiler.hint: 'GROUP BY'
@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #CHECK
@EndUserText.label: 'My View'
define view entity Z_MY_VIEW as select from my_table as t1
  join another_table as t2 on t1.key = t2.key {
  key t1.id,
  t1.name, // Potential duplicate if 'name' exists in another_table
  t2.name // Missing alias
};

4

Rename the duplicate column to a unique and descriptive name. In ABAP programs, this might involve changing the field name in an internal table definition or using an alias in a `SELECT` statement. In CDS views, assign a unique alias to the problematic column.

Example of a corrected CDS view:

@AbapCatalog.sqlViewName: 'MYVIEW'
@AbapCatalog.compiler.hint: 'GROUP BY'
@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #CHECK
@EndUserText.label: 'My View'
define view entity Z_MY_VIEW as select from my_table as t1
  join another_table as t2 on t1.key = t2.key {
  key t1.id,
  t1.name as t1_name, // Aliased
  t2.name as t2_name  // Aliased
};

5

Activate the modified ABAP program or CDS view. Re-run the transaction or process that previously triggered the error to verify the fix.

2. Review and Correct Standard SAP Objects (with Caution) advanced

Investigate if the error is due to a SAP standard object and apply SAP Notes if applicable.

1

If the error message indicates that the issue is within a standard SAP object (e.g., a standard CDS view, function module, or report), consult SAP Notes and relevant SAP documentation. Search the SAP Support Portal for 'ERR_SQL_DPLC_COLUMN' and the object name identified in the error traceback.

2

If a SAP Note exists that addresses this specific error for the affected standard object, follow the instructions in the SAP Note precisely. This might involve applying a correction or implementing a workaround.

3

If no SAP Note is found, and you are confident the issue is in a standard object, consider raising an incident to SAP Support. Provide all relevant details, including the error message, traceback, and steps to reproduce.

4

As a last resort and with extreme caution, if you have deep technical understanding and SAP support confirms it, you might consider creating an append structure or a view enhancement. However, this is generally not recommended for duplicate column names as it indicates a fundamental design issue. **Always consult SAP Support before attempting to modify standard SAP objects directly.**

3. Analyze and Adjust Data Model in Custom Extensions medium

Examine custom database tables or views created through extensions and ensure column uniqueness.

1

If the error occurs during the creation or modification of custom database tables (e.g., using SE11) or custom views, review the table/view definition. Ensure that all column names within the table or view are unique.

2

Use SE11 to display the definition of the custom table or view. Carefully inspect the list of fields. If any field names are identical, rename one of them to be unique.

Example in SE11 (Table Definition):

Field Name | Data Element | Description
-----------------|--------------|------------
MATNR        | MATNR        | Material Number
MAKTX        | MAKTX        | Material Description
MAKTX        | MAKTX        | Duplicate Material Description <-- Rename this field

3

If the custom object is a view, ensure that all selected columns have unique names, either by direct selection or by using aliases if columns from different sources have the same name.

Example SQL for a custom view:

CREATE VIEW Z_CUSTOM_VIEW AS
SELECT
    T1.FIELD1 AS T1_FIELD1,
    T2.FIELD1 AS T2_FIELD1 -- Aliased to avoid collision
FROM TABLE1 T1
JOIN TABLE2 T2 ON T1.KEY = T2.KEY;

4

Save and activate the modified custom table or view. Test the functionality that triggered the error.

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Related Errors

5 related errors

SAP S/4HANA Error 272: Duplicate Column Name