Error
Error Code:
606
SAP S/4HANA Error 606: LOB Size Limit Exceeded
Description
This error indicates that a Large Object (LOB) data type, such as a document, image, or extensive text, has exceeded the maximum size permitted by the SAP S/4HANA system or its underlying database. It typically occurs during data processing, API interactions, or data migration involving substantial binary or text data.
Error Message
ERR_API_EXCEED_MAX_LOB_SIZE: Exceed maximum LOB size
Known Causes
4 known causesOversized API Payloads
An API call attempted to transfer a data object (e.g., a file or extensive text) that surpasses the configured LOB size limits for inbound or outbound communication.
Database LOB Restrictions
The underlying database or specific table column in SAP S/4HANA has a defined maximum size for Large Objects, which was exceeded by the data being stored.
Large Data Migration/Uploads
During data migration projects, bulk uploads, or attachment processes, the size of a single data entry or file exceeded the system's LOB capacity.
Insufficient System Configuration
The LOB size limits within SAP S/4HANA or integrated systems are set too conservatively for the actual data volumes and types being processed.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Identify and Reduce Large LOB Objects medium
Locate and shrink or remove excessively large LOBs to free up space.
1
Identify tables with potentially large LOBs. Large Object (LOB) data, such as document content or images, is often stored in tables related to document management, attachments, or specific business objects. Common candidates include tables like `SOOD`, `SRGBTCTRL`, `SRGBTCR0`, and custom tables storing binary data.
2
Use SQL to query the size of LOB columns. This requires knowledge of the underlying database schema. For example, to check the size of a LOB column named `CONTENT` in a table `MY_LOB_TABLE` (replace with actual table and column names):
SELECT SUM(LENGTH(CONTENT)) AS total_lob_size_bytes FROM MY_LOB_TABLE;3
If a specific record is identified as excessively large, analyze its content. This might involve triggering a business process that generated the LOB or directly examining the data if it's accessible through application-specific tools or transactions.
4
Based on the analysis, take action:
- **Reduce LOB Size:** If the LOB content can be compressed or a lower-resolution version can be stored (e.g., for images), re-upload or update the object with a smaller version.
- **Archive or Delete LOBs:** If the LOB is no longer needed or can be moved to an archive system, delete the record from the SAP system. This is often done through standard SAP transactions or custom archiving programs.
- **Reduce LOB Size:** If the LOB content can be compressed or a lower-resolution version can be stored (e.g., for images), re-upload or update the object with a smaller version.
- **Archive or Delete LOBs:** If the LOB is no longer needed or can be moved to an archive system, delete the record from the SAP system. This is often done through standard SAP transactions or custom archiving programs.
2. Increase LOB Size Limits (Database Level) advanced
Adjust database configuration parameters to allow for larger LOB objects.
1
Determine the current LOB size limits configured in your SAP HANA database. This might involve checking database parameters or system views.
2
Consult SAP HANA documentation for relevant parameters that control LOB size. The exact parameters can vary between HANA versions. Common areas to investigate include settings related to maximum object size or buffer sizes for LOB operations.
3
Modify the database parameters. **Caution:** This is a significant change and should be performed with extreme care, after thorough testing in a non-production environment, and with SAP support's guidance. Incorrectly modifying these parameters can lead to database instability.
ALTER SYSTEM ALTER CONFIGURATION ('<parameter_name>', 'SYSTEM') SET ('<parameter_name>') = '<new_value>' WITH RECONFIGURE;4
Restart the SAP HANA database for the parameter changes to take effect. This will require a planned downtime.
3. Review and Optimize SAP Application Logic advanced
Examine application code that generates or handles LOBs for inefficiencies.
1
Identify SAP transactions or custom programs that are frequently creating or modifying LOBs. Use SAP's performance analysis tools (e.g., ST05, SAT) to pinpoint these areas.
2
Analyze the application code responsible for LOB creation. Look for instances where excessively large data is being generated unnecessarily. For example, are full-resolution images being stored when only thumbnails are needed, or are large log files being appended without proper truncation?
3
Implement optimizations in the application logic. This could involve:
- **Data Compression:** Compress data before storing it as a LOB.
- **Resizing/Downsampling:** Resize images or other media to smaller dimensions before storage.
- **Selective Storage:** Only store essential parts of a document or data.
- **Chunking:** For very large LOBs, consider if they can be broken down into smaller, manageable chunks if the application logic supports it.
- **Data Compression:** Compress data before storing it as a LOB.
- **Resizing/Downsampling:** Resize images or other media to smaller dimensions before storage.
- **Selective Storage:** Only store essential parts of a document or data.
- **Chunking:** For very large LOBs, consider if they can be broken down into smaller, manageable chunks if the application logic supports it.
4
Test the optimized application logic thoroughly in a non-production environment to ensure it functions correctly and resolves the LOB size issue without introducing new problems.