Error
Error Code:
611
SAP S/4HANA Error 611: API Session Variable Length Exceeded
Description
This error indicates that an attempt was made to store a value in an SAP S/4HANA API session variable that exceeds its predefined maximum allowed length. This typically occurs when an application or user tries to pass a string or data object that is too large for the temporary session storage.
Error Message
ERR_API_SESSION_VARIABLE_VALUE_LENGTH_EXCEEDED
Known Causes
4 known causesExcessive User Input
A user or an automated process provided an input value that is longer than the configured limit for a specific session variable.
Application Logic Overload
The application's business logic is attempting to store an unexpectedly large data set or string in a session variable, exceeding its capacity.
Integration Data Volume
Data received from an integrated external system or API contains a value for a session variable that is larger than what SAP S/4HANA expects or allows.
Session Variable Limit Misconfiguration
The maximum length for the affected session variable might be set too low for the intended operational requirements within the SAP S/4HANA system.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Identify and Truncate Oversized Session Variables medium
Locate and shorten excessively long session variables in the SAP S/4HANA system.
1
Access the SAP S/4HANA system and navigate to transaction `SM21` (System Log) or `ST05` (Performance Trace) to identify the specific API calls that are triggering the error and the associated session variable names.
2
Once the problematic session variable(s) are identified, you need to investigate the custom code or standard SAP functionality that is setting these variables. This might involve debugging ABAP programs using transaction `SE80` or `SE38`.
3
Modify the ABAP code to ensure that the values assigned to session variables do not exceed the defined length limits. Consider using data element/structure definitions that are appropriate for the expected data size. If a temporary large value is truly necessary, explore alternative storage mechanisms like temporary database tables.
ABAP Example (Conceptual):
FIELD-SYMBOLS <lv_session_var> TYPE ANY.
ASSIGN 'YOUR_SESSION_VARIABLE_NAME' TO <lv_session_var>.
IF sy-subrc = 0.
IF strlen( iv_long_value ) > 255. " Example: Assuming a limit of 255 characters
" Truncate or handle the long value appropriately
MESSAGE 'Session variable value exceeds limit.' TYPE 'E'.
" Alternatively, consider alternative storage or processing
ELSE.
<lv_session_var> = iv_long_value.
ENDIF.
ENDIF.4
If the issue stems from a standard SAP process and cannot be directly modified, consult SAP Notes for known issues and potential patches or configuration adjustments. Alternatively, open an incident with SAP support.
2. Review and Optimize API Payload Handling medium
Analyze and optimize how data is passed to APIs, reducing the need for excessively long session variables.
1
Examine the APIs being used, especially those that are custom-developed or have recently been updated. Identify which session variables are being populated and the source of their data.
2
If APIs are receiving large chunks of data that are being stored in session variables, consider if this data can be passed more efficiently. For instance, instead of storing an entire large text block, can a reference to a document or a compressed representation be used?
3
For OData services, review the request payload structure. Ensure that only necessary fields are being sent and that data types are appropriate. In ABAP, consider using internal tables with appropriate line sizes and row counts.
4
If the problem is related to large data structures being serialized into session variables, investigate serialization/deserialization logic. Look for opportunities to optimize the size of the serialized data.
3. Increase SAP Gateway Session Variable Limits (with caution) advanced
Adjust SAP Gateway configuration to allow for larger session variable values, if absolutely necessary.
1
This is a global change and should be approached with extreme caution. It involves modifying SAP Gateway (transaction `SMGW`) profile parameters. First, identify the current limits by navigating to `SMGW` -> `Goto` -> `Parameters` -> `Display`.
2
Consult SAP documentation or SAP Notes to understand the relevant profile parameters that control session variable lengths. Common parameters might relate to `gw/acl_mode`, `gw/max_bufsize`, or specific session variable related parameters (though explicit ones for session variable length are less common and often tied to buffer sizes).
3
If a specific parameter is identified, you can change it dynamically via `SMGW` -> `Goto` -> `Parameters` -> `Change`. However, for persistent changes, these parameters must be updated in the instance profile file (`DEFAULT.PFL` or specific instance profile) and the SAP Gateway service restarted.
Example (Conceptual Parameter - actual parameter may vary):
Parameter Name: `gw/session_variable_max_length` (Hypothetical)
New Value: `4096` (or a larger appropriate value)4
After making changes, test thoroughly to ensure the error is resolved and that no new performance issues or stability problems are introduced. Monitor system performance closely.