Error
Error Code:
656
SAP S/4HANA Error 656: Property Value Too Long
Description
This error indicates that a value provided for a property or field has exceeded its defined maximum length within SAP S/4HANA. It commonly occurs when attempting to save data, update configurations, or during data integration processes.
Error Message
ERR_SQL_LONG_PROPERTY: Property value too long
Known Causes
4 known causesUser Input Exceeds Field Length
A user entered data into an SAP S/4HANA field that surpassed the field's predefined maximum character limit.
Configuration Parameter Overflow
A system configuration setting or parameter was assigned a value that is longer than its allowed storage capacity.
External Data Integration Mismatch
During data transfer from an external system, a source value was longer than the corresponding target field's length in SAP S/4HANA.
Custom Development Field Constraint
A custom field or extension introduced into SAP S/4HANA has a length constraint that was violated by the data being processed.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Identify and Truncate Oversized Property Values medium
Locate the specific property causing the error and truncate its value to fit the defined column length.
1
Determine the exact table and column that is exceeding the length limit. This often requires analyzing the context of the error message or using SAP's debugging tools (e.g., ST05 SQL Trace) to capture the failing SQL statement and identify the involved object.
2
Once the offending table and column are identified (e.g., `MY_TABLE.MY_LONG_PROPERTY`), use SQL to inspect the data and find the specific record(s) with excessively long values. Replace `MY_TABLE` and `MY_LONG_PROPERTY` with your actual table and column names.
SELECT * FROM MY_TABLE WHERE LENGTH(MY_LONG_PROPERTY) > 255; -- Adjust 255 to the expected maximum length3
Carefully review the identified records. Understand the business context of the data to determine if truncation is appropriate. If a record's property value is genuinely too long and cannot be shortened without losing critical information, a more structural solution might be needed.
4
If truncation is acceptable, use an `UPDATE` statement to shorten the property value. This example truncates to 255 characters. Adapt the length and the logic (e.g., using `SUBSTR` or other string manipulation functions) as needed.
UPDATE MY_TABLE SET MY_LONG_PROPERTY = SUBSTR(MY_LONG_PROPERTY, 1, 255) WHERE LENGTH(MY_LONG_PROPERTY) > 255; -- Adjust 255 to the desired maximum length5
After truncating, re-run the operation that initially produced the error to confirm it has been resolved.
2. Review and Adjust Custom Code or Configuration medium
Examine any custom developments or configuration settings that might be inserting excessively long data into properties.
1
Identify any custom ABAP reports, BAPIs, user exits, or enhancement implementations that interact with the table or object experiencing the error. Use transaction codes like SE80, SE38, or SHDB to search for relevant code.
2
Analyze the code responsible for populating the property in question. Look for instances where data is being concatenated, generated, or copied without proper length checks. Pay close attention to how string variables are declared and how data is assigned.
Example ABAP snippet to check for potential overflow:
DATA: lv_property_value TYPE string.
DATA: lv_max_length TYPE i.
" ... populate lv_property_value ...
" Assuming a target field of length 255
IF strlen( lv_property_value ) > 255.
" Handle error or truncate data here
MESSAGE 'Property value too long!' TYPE 'E'.
ENDIF.3
If the system is using custom configurations for data entry or import (e.g., through specific transaction codes or data migration tools), review those settings to ensure they are not allowing or generating overly long values for the affected property.
4
Modify the custom code or configuration to enforce length limits before attempting to save the data. This might involve adding explicit checks, truncating values, or providing error messages to the user.
5
After making code or configuration changes, perform unit testing and then re-run the business process that caused the error to verify the fix.
3. Investigate SAP Standard Behavior and Notes easy
Check if the error is related to a known SAP issue or a standard system limitation.
1
Search the SAP Support Portal (SAP ONE Support Launchpad) for SAP Notes related to 'ERR_SQL_LONG_PROPERTY', 'Error 656', or similar keywords combined with the object or transaction you are working with.
2
Review the SAP Notes found. They might describe a bug in a specific SAP version or component, provide a workaround, or indicate a correction that needs to be applied via a Support Package or a manual correction.
3
If a relevant SAP Note is found, follow its instructions precisely. This may involve applying a correction, implementing a specific configuration, or adjusting system parameters.
4
If no specific SAP Note is found but you suspect a standard system issue, consider opening a ticket with SAP Support. Provide them with detailed information about the error, the steps to reproduce it, and any relevant system logs or traces.