Changing a Table Field Data Element Without Changing the Data Type or Length

[Former Member]

Hello,

I have to  change a Dictionary Table Field so that it uses another Data Element ...  but the new Data Element will be have the same Data Type and the same length (for example from a CHAR 4  to  a CHAR 4 ).

Will  this  cause any issues with the existing table  if it contains data or not ? Will this trigger the "Conversion Process" when we update the existing application  or will need to do any kind of manual steps ?

Regards

[Former Member]

Hi David.

You can change your Data Element in the way you described above with no problems, considering the same length for the element.

Data will keep untouchable, so don't worry about the data you have there, it will stay as it is!

About the Conversion Process... keep it the same as the old one you have, and you will have no problem with data.

Its important considering the below parameters as well.

Do not forget to adjust your database table through SE14 as shown below.

Hope it helps!

Cheers!

[Former Member]

Hi David,

Please confirm why you have to go for another data element if it is of same type and and length.Kindly provide some more details.

Regards,

Kannan

[Former Member]

Hello Kannan,

The change to a new data element (with the same structure) is needed because we need the to use "more appropriate" fields labels. Changing the field labels of the original data element is not an option because it's the CHAR4 Data Element and it's used by other programs.

Regards

[Former Member]

Hi David,

Yes you can do the change without any issues.Note to adjust the table using SE14.

Ensure your database table is activated properly and do a table maintenance generator activation also.

Regards,

Kannan

[Former Member]

You can also use pre defined option for these fields and enter the description there itself for these fields.

Thanks

Ankit

[rosenberg_eitan]

Hi,

I hope that you are not changing SAP standard stuff .

Regards.

[kabil_g]

Hi Francois,

You can use these steps also using CMOD transaction Code.