Error
Error Code:
551
SAP S/4HANA Error 551: Invalid Partition Level
Description
This error indicates an issue with the data partitioning configuration within your SAP S/4HANA system. It typically occurs when the defined partition levels for a table or object do not align with the actual data structure or system requirements, preventing data access or manipulation.
Error Message
ERR_RS_PARTITION_INVALID_LEVEL
Known Causes
4 known causesMisconfigured Partitioning Scheme
The partitioning scheme for a database table or InfoProvider was incorrectly defined, leading to a mismatch in expected and actual partition levels.
Inconsistent Data Loading
Data loaded into a partitioned object does not conform to the existing partitioning rules, causing the system to detect an invalid partition level.
Manual Metadata Changes
Direct, unauthorized modifications to the database schema or metadata have corrupted the partition level definitions, causing inconsistencies.
System Upgrade Incompatibility
A recent system upgrade or patch introduced an incompatibility with existing partitioning definitions, leading to validation failures during operations.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Verify and Correct Partitioning Scheme for SAP HANA Objects medium
Ensures that all partitioned tables and indexes in SAP HANA adhere to the defined partitioning rules.
1
Identify the table or index causing the error. This often requires analyzing the SAP application logs (e.g., ST11, SM21) or HANA trace files to pinpoint the specific object.
2
Connect to your SAP HANA database using a SQL client (e.g., SAP HANA Studio, hdbsql).
3
Query the system views to check the partitioning of the identified object. Pay close attention to the `PARTITION_LEVEL` and `PARTITION_TYPE` columns.
SELECT TABLE_NAME, PARTITION_NAME, PARTITION_LEVEL, PARTITION_TYPE, PARTITION_ID FROM M_PARTITIONS WHERE TABLE_NAME = 'YOUR_TABLE_NAME';4
Compare the actual `PARTITION_LEVEL` with the expected or valid levels for the object type. For example, a sub-partitioning level might be incorrectly set.
5
If an invalid `PARTITION_LEVEL` is found, you may need to drop and recreate the table or index with the correct partitioning scheme. This is a critical operation and should be performed during a maintenance window with proper backups.
DROP TABLE YOUR_TABLE_NAME;
-- Recreate the table with the correct partitioning scheme6
Consult SAP Notes and HANA documentation for specific partitioning guidelines and valid levels for different object types.
2. Review and Rebuild Partitioned Objects During SAP S/4HANA Upgrade/Migration advanced
Addresses issues that may arise from incorrect partition definitions after an S/4HANA upgrade or migration.
1
During an SAP S/4HANA upgrade or migration project, partitioning definitions can sometimes become corrupted or inconsistent. This error is a strong indicator of such an issue.
2
Leverage SAP's provided tools and scripts for post-upgrade/migration checks. These often include routines to validate and potentially correct partitioning.
3
Execute HANA lifecycle management tools or relevant SAP Basis tools that can analyze and repair object definitions, including partitioning. For example, using `hdbnsutil` with appropriate parameters during a system restart or utilizing specific SAP upgrade tools.
4
If automated tools don't resolve the issue, manual intervention might be required. This involves identifying the problematic objects using SQL queries (as in Solution 1) and then carefully recreating them with the correct partitioning, often guided by SAP's best practices for the specific S/4HANA version.
5
Always perform these actions in a test environment first, and ensure you have comprehensive backups before proceeding in production.
3. Check for Inconsistent Partitioning on System Tables advanced
Identifies and corrects potential partitioning errors on critical SAP HANA system tables.
1
In rare cases, even SAP HANA's internal system tables can exhibit partitioning inconsistencies, leading to errors like 551. This is typically a symptom of a deeper HANA platform issue.
2
Connect to your SAP HANA database as a user with administrative privileges (e.g., SYSTEM user).
3
Run a comprehensive check on system table partitioning. While direct modification of system tables is strongly discouraged, you can query them to identify potential issues.
SELECT TABLE_NAME, PARTITION_LEVEL, PARTITION_TYPE FROM SYS.M_TABLES WHERE IS_SYSTEM_TABLE = 1 AND PARTITION_LEVEL IS NOT NULL AND PARTITION_TYPE IS NOT NULL AND PARTITION_LEVEL NOT IN (0, 1); -- Example: check for unexpected levels4
If inconsistencies are found on system tables, it is crucial to open an SAP Support Incident immediately. Do not attempt to manually alter system table partitioning.
5
SAP Support will likely provide specific HANA patching or diagnostic tools to resolve the underlying platform issue. This might involve applying a HANA revision update.