Data element length modification

[Former Member]

Hi friends,

We are working on a requirement that requires a change to an existing data element/field.

This field has been used in various tables/structures/programs and FM's. Essentially, Change to this field requires us to modify lot of programs.

I am just wondering if there are any alternative approaches. Need your help to evaluate.

1. The change required is to increase a length of the field to accommodate higher numbers.

2. Instead of modifying all programs, Are there any alternative approaches?

Thank you

Kris

[Former Member]

If the change in only to increase the length, why should you be modifying all the programs where this is being used unless there are any string operations.

Agreed, this might be a hug activity but what I am trying to say is that you might need to do a lot of analysis but it might not be required to change any FM or program.

Vikram.M

[Former Member]

Make sure to take the following precautions before doing any change

1. Apply the where use list of that table/ Field and check whether it has been used in some program and FM or not. If yes then check one more thing that check the TYPE of another variables on which system has populating data (move, write or in FM parameters). if you will not consider this then you can land you in big trouble. (Conversion dump)

2. Ask the basis to take a dump of the production, quality and data for the safer side if something does not go right.

Now, you can do the changes in your development system and then adjust the database and see the impact of it.

Hopefully, you will not come across any difficult situation in this changes.